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21/02/2006 - gf tomlinson expertise combines the modern and the historic
Prince Charles heard from GF Tomlinson staff about the restoration of the University of Derby's new Buxton campus.
The Derby construction firm was the main contractor for the £20m project which was opened by the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Originally the Duke of Devonshire's stables and latterly the site of the Devonshire Royal Hospital, the Grade II*-listed building was once on English Heritage's At Risk Register.
The Devonshire Campus project was overseen by English Heritage which strictly vetted and monitored the specialist sub-contractors, conservation materials and the quality of workmanship.
GF Tomlinson's own conservation manager Mark Nunns worked alongside the project manager Michael Haslam ensuring that conservation issues were fully incorporated within the overall production process.
They told the Prince how the scheme involved traditional building methods to undertake such work as stone repairs, leadwork, window repairs, and ornate plaster work.
Modernisation works included major mechanical and electrical installations and new lifts. Some of the conservation works were major packages, for instance the leadwork to the roof at 100 tonnes, was the largest order placed in Europe at the time.
Similarly there was extensive repair work to windows using hand -made glass imported from Poland to replicate the original. Another major operation was the plastering work requiring the use of authentic lime goats hair plaster to match the existing.
Mark said: "The Devonshire Campus has been the most interesting project I have worked on. The scope and variety of the conservation work was challenging yet extremely rewarding."
He said the main challenge for the overall project team had been to incorporate a modern university campus in a sensitive manner within the setting of a well known historical building.
He added: "The result has been that the unique features of the Devonshire have been used to maximum effect to provide a state- of-the-art academic village with true character.
Barry Sewards, chairman of GF Tomlinson said: "We are delighted to have been involved in this prestigious project and feel it is only fitting that Derby's oldest construction company was entrusted to successfully restore one of Derbyshire's most historic buildings.
"This was endorsed when we were presented with the East Midlands Craftsmanship Award."
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