Work on historic Battle building to start this year

The town council said plans to upgrade the Almonry building, where the council is based, are pencilled in to commence in spring.

Councillors discussed the latest developments in the project at their recent meeting.

The council said the Grade II* listed building is in desperate need of repair.

Works will include internal and external repairs and renovations to the fabric of the building, such as the roof, fascia tiles and masonry, windows, ceilings, woodwork such as panelling, doors and staircase.

The works will also include the provision of disabled access via a reduced and resurfaced slope to a platform lift at the rear of the existing porch, the provision of accessible toilet facilities within the building, and the upgrading of toilet and kitchen facilities.

The town council said after a strict tender process, a preferred contractor to carry out the works has been chosen at a cost of £573,193.53.

A council spokesman said: “At this week’s meeting, council were presented with the costs to complete this project at £42,679.76.

“The project cannot move forward without the services of an architect, quantity surveyor and other relevant specialists. By a majority vote, the motion to instruct JD Clarke and Blade Consulting to undertake these crucial tasks was agreed.”

The council said it has submitted applications to Historic England’s Covid-19 Emergency Heritage at Risk Response Fund and Rother District Council’s Community Grant Fund to raise funds towards urgent repairs and a project to provide full access for those with disabilities.

The spokesman added: “An application will shortly be made to the Public Works Loan Board with a plan for works to commence in spring 2021.”

Further information on the Almonry project can be found on the Battle Town Council website.

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