Seems l was a little over optimistic in thinking the lorries, recently parked outside the Guildhall, were there to deliver scaffolding for the urgent repairs that need to be carried out to the roof of the Grade 11* listed adjoining Victoria Art Gallery.
The building opened in 1900 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the 124 year old glazed roof is leaking badly.
The Upper Gallery was closed and cleared before last Christmas in preparation for the repair work. It’s the only gallery in the place that is free to all.
Unlike the exhibition gallery on the ground floor where – if you haven’t got a Discovery Card – you have to pay.
We are half way through March – and one does wonder – why the delay in getting the roof repairs underway?
A question Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel member, Cllr Ian Halsall asked of Cllr Paul Roper – who is cabinet member for Economics and Cultural Sustainable Development – (My constant moan is why he can’t just be titled Cabinet Member for Heritage !?) at a recent Panel get- together.
Cllr Roper handed over to his officer – who is Robert Campbell, the Head of Heritage Services – for a detailed reply.
He said: This is a tale of historic under investment in that asset and it was failing substantially. We were getting a huge amount of water ingress every time it rained. We had no choice other than to close that upper gallery and fix the roof because the art work underneath it was going to get damaged. It was a drastic step but it was what needed to happen.”
Rob said a listed building consent application was submitted at the end of January for scaffolding to be erected so they could then get on to the roof.
“The issue we have got with this project if we don’t know the extent of the work until we can properly inspect the roof.”
Their provisional time-table is to get planning consent by the end of March and then get scaffolding up between April and May so they can better understand the extent of the issues they face.
“If there are listed timbers or other listed roofing fabric up there that need renewal work then there will have to be the need for a further listed building consent application. We hope that is NOT the case, and if not the case, we are looking to complete building works in August and then refill the gallery with artwork to re-open in September. “
Though, he warned, ” we will have to come back with a confirmed date when we understand the extent of the damage up there.”
Let’s hope the scaffolding isn’t up for as long as the Corn Market’s, which must almost deserve its own listing by now.