This project is the first major regeneration scheme of Grade 2 listed houses to be given funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Their grant is for the restoration of the architectural uniformity and increasing the understanding of energy efficiency in historic buildings by improving thermal efficiency. This funding is for the private owners, and Bolsover District Council are funding both the architectural uniformity works and the refurbishment of their properties. The Bolsover Colliery Company built the ‘model’ in the 1890’s, exemplary in its provision of housing, schools, community centre, shop, church, orphanage and recreational facilities. The colliery closed in the 1990’s, and the original purpose of the village ceased. The project, led by BDC and part funded by the HLF, involves the restoration of the hundred and ninety-four listed houses (designed in the manner of the early garden cities movement) to provide a revitalised, sustainable community for both the council owned properties and the privately owned ones (approximately 30%).
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HLP were appointed by Bolsover District Council following a quality / tender process, based on our record of conservation work. Our commission included for conservation architect, contract administration and principal designer services. We also provided quantity surveying and structural engineering services via experienced consultants with whom we have worked for many years.
Ownership of the houses passed from the Bolsover Colliery Company to the National Coal Board, and in the 1980’s to Bolsover District Council. Following this, a number of ‘right to buy’s’ took fifty-seven homes into private ownership. The project therefore divided into two parts:
- Restoring the architectural uniformity of the model which includes the external elements of the houses and environment for all one hundred and ninety-four properties (part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund).
- Internal refurbishment and improving the thermal efficiency of the BDC owned properties (private owners had the option to join the programme of work, but most declined).
English Heritage (now Historic England) had carried out works to number 113 New Bolsover and this is covered in several publications dated August 2011 and 2015 (New Bolsover: A Whole House Thermal Performance Assessment). The house has been continuously monitored by English Heritage, and this will end during 2019 when further improvements will be carried out by BDC.
The findings of English Heritage formed the basis of HLP’s work, and we have endeavoured to follow and improve on this from our initial involvement. The additional works to 113 will include re-slating the roof, repairing the stonework and brickwork, replacing the secondary glazing with slim double glazed units and new internal fixtures and fittings (kitchen, bathrooms and the like). The different types of wall insulation fitted by English Heritage have mainly been kept, and Hsitoric England, who have taken over this role will continue to monitor the house to see what further improvements have occurred.
Our initial work involved consultation with all of the residents, comprehensive internal and external surveys, preparing draft proposals with BDC followed by further consultation with residents, Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Once planning permissions and listed building consent were granted, the HLF Stage 2 bid was submitted and approved early in 2016.
A formal tender process for the construction works resulted in Robert Woodhead Ltd being appointed and starting on site in October 2016. Practical completion was achieved in February 2020.
Awards
FBE East Midlands Scheme of the Year 2018
FBE East Midlands 2018 Regeneration Award
DHBT - Deborah Devonshire Award for Outstanding Project 2023
DHBT - Best Historic Building in Urban Setting 2023