The Tower Project

The project to restore our beautiful spire and tower is underway. These repairs will protect the historic architecture and enable safe access to the garden for all to enjoy. We anticipate the works to run from February to October 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience during this time.

Project timeline
November 2022

ArtArchitects ground-level inspection & preliminary drawings

November 2022
May 2023

ArtArchitects appointed for repair project

May 2023
August 2023

Measured survey of the tower and spire

August 2023
September 2023

Drone survey of the tower and spire

September 2023
September 2023

QS Budget estimate

September 2023
October 2023

CCCT Fundraising launched

October 2023
15 November 2023

Cherrypicker inspection – garden closed

15 November 2023
23 November 2023

Q&A session for local community

23 November 2023
5 March 2024

Netting measurement

5 March 2024
7 March 2024

ArtArchitects Stage 2 Report published

7 March 2024
March 2024

Confirmation of the Brief & Programme, Appointment of Consultants

March 2024
15-19 April 2024

Netting installation, garden reopening

15-19 April 2024
May 2024

Completion of Technical Design

May 2024
June 2024

Technical design, DAC application, issued for tender

June 2024
July 2024

Tender Returns Received

July 2024
August/ September 2024

Preferred Contractor Identified

August/ September 2024
January 2024

Contract negotiations and Award of Contract

January 2024
February 2025

Commencement of Site Work

February 2025
October 2025

Practical completion

October 2025

News and updates

Since the start of works, the following progress has been made:

  • Site fully established
  • Scaffolding erected externally on North, East, and partially West elevations up to louvred windows.
  • Internal scaffolding, including back propping beneath North elevation and birdcage scaffold, installed.
  • Netting of the spire removed as scaffolding progresses.
  • Steeplejack ladders and window guards removed; internal chimney dismantled.

Scaffolding has progressed on the North, East, and part of the West elevations up to the louvred windows, with work continuing towards the spire. Internally, back propping and a birdcage scaffold have been installed. The scaffolding is expected to be completed by the 25th of April so the restoration work can begin.

•⁠ ⁠Scaffolding was completed and handed over to the contractor on 16th of May.
•⁠ ⁠Gable wall scaffolding is currently being designed.
•⁠ ⁠An asbestos survey of the tower and spire is happening on the 22nd of May.
•⁠ ⁠Stone cleaning to commence on the 26th of May

The initial stone cleaning is complete and the repointing has been started. The architect has marked up stones to replace. The gable scaffolding has been designed.

The chancel gable scaffolding has been completed and the cleaning finished. Spire and tower stones to be replaced have been identified. Grotesque figures sketch designs have been proposed. Clay mock-ups will be prepared by September.