client: Derby College
value: £46 million
date: completed September 2009
The site had been allowed to decay for a number of years and some buildings had suffered up to 20 years of neglect. Water ingress had caused major structural failures and dry rot.
Poorly conceived insertions and adaptations over 150 years had in some areas destroyed much of the original fabric and character of the buildings.
A very detailed program of repairs was adopted early on aiming at conserving as much of the original material as possible. A concept of “honest repair” has guided the choices made in repairing the original structure. This values the clear distinction between the new and old; careful to allow the observer to distinguish between the two. The masonry problems on site included failed brick and stone work. Cleaning strategies were painstakingly developed and many sample areas tested before the work was carried out. Rebuilding, replacing and repointing in a suitable gauged lime mortar has ensured that the masonry will survive for many years to come.
" The standards of craftsmanship exhibited in the restored fabric of the Grade II* Listed structure are high and it is tremendous to see this structure, which came perilously close to being lost, flourish again "
Simon Thurley - Chief Executive, English Heritage
download pdf for more information 
