Wainhouse Tower, Halifax
Stone Technical Services spent around six months working in association with Calderdale Council to restore Wainhouse Tower in Halifax, Calderdale’s tallest structure. The project received a Halifax Civic Trust Award in recognition of the work carried out to restore it to its former glory and the improvements made to preserve it for the future.
Stone carried out a range of work on Wainhouse Tower including the conservation and restoration of masonry on the carved upper tower ornate stone as well as the lime mortar pointing of the structure, the design of stainless steel flashings to form rainwater gullies, specialist masonry repairs including the renewal of the upper viewing platform, lime mortar repointing, the fitting of new window guards, the installation of a specialist rainwater system and storm gullies and the replacement of specialist lead and stainless steel.
All of the work was carried out by hand without machinery because of the delicate nature of the structure.
Wainhouse Tower dates back to the 1870s and its viewing platform can be reached by 400 steps up the 253 feet structure.
This project, funded by Calderdale Council, took six months to complete and cost in the region of £400,000.
David Stone commented: “We always knew that this was going to be a hugely significant project as Wainhouse Tower means such a lot to the people of Halifax and the surrounding area. It is a structure with a lot of history and the restoration work means that now it can be enjoyed once again by the public. It is a tremendous honour to have the work recognised in this way by those that really matter- people living in the local are.”
John Catanach, building surveyor from Calderdale Council added: “Halifax Civic Trust plays an important role in the community by campaigning and raising public awareness to make and keep Halifax an attractive place to live, work and play. This award for the major restoration project at Wainhouse Tower is great recognition for the careful work carried out by a skilled team to
ensure that the tower will remain part of the Calderdale landscape for future generations.”
