Market House completed works FAQs
18 September 2024
The restoration and conservation work of the Market House in Ross-on-Wye, which has been taking place over the summer months, is due to be completed in the coming weeks. The scaffolding will start to be dismantled week commencing 23rd September, and the handover back to the Town Council from the contractors will take place on 4th October.
In preparation of the works being completed the Town Council have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions which can be found below.
Ross-on-Wye Town Council would like to thank the additional funders of the project; National Lottery Players via National Lottery Heritage Fund who provided a grant of £112,000, The Pilgrim Trust and the Wolfson Foundation.
What are the Market House works?
Over the years the Market House has suffered extensive stone erosion and urgently required specialist conservation. The stone window surrounds were so badly eroded that there was a serious risk of the glass falling out and the windows being boarded up. The work was not only for conservation and restoration repairs to the fabric of the building, there are a number of legacy projects, including new interpretation boards to tell the story of the Market House and its wider historical context.
Works addressed the primary areas of concern including much needed repairs to the stone window surrounds to the west, north and east elevations and sill repairs to the south windows, low level stone repairs along the south elevation, repairs to the roof, lead gutters and ridges, plus other minor repairs and decorations.
Works included: stone repairs, window repairs, painting, timber repairs, lighting, repointing and mortar repairs, clock tower repairs, cleaning and maintenance and a new lightning conductor.
Why hasn’t all the stone been repaired/replaced?
The Market House is a scheduled Ancient Monument Work, which places a priority on keeping as much historic stonework as possible. This means that replacement must be limited to the areas that were identified as most needing intervention. Each stone replaced was subject to the approval of Historic England.
Why are some of the replaced stones sticking out?
The original stone is heavily eroded/weathered. The new stones are fitted as close as possible to where the original stone face would have been. (This is called the Restoration Plane.)
Why is the stone surrounding some of the windows a different colour?
The architects and contractors worked closely with Historic England throughout the project. The stone used replicates what was there previously and has been replaced like for like where original contrasting stones had weathered beyond repair. Over time the stone will weather and the contrast between old and new will be reduced.
Who has done the work?
Hawkes Edwards Conservation Architects specified the repair work, negotiated consents and oversaw the contract.
Following an extensive tendering process the contractors who conducted the work was Treasure and Son Ltd – a building and construction company who specialise in all aspects of building, from work on scheduled monuments to the restoration of Georgian and half-timbered houses. The glass has been carefully conserved and replaced by Brockweir Glass. They have been responsible for employing any sub-contractors. The Town Council is extremely grateful to them for the beautiful craftsmanship carried out.
Historic England have inspected the project as it progressed on site to ensure it complied with their policy for the management of this important historic site.
Who paid for the works?
The project has been funded by the Town Council and grant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation and The Pilgrim Trust.
What is the legacy project?
The legacy project includes new interpretation boards which will tell the story of the Market House and its wider historical context. They will be in place by 9th November for the relaunch event.
Following an extensive tendering process the designers conducting this work is Platform One.
The project also includes an app trail, a new Museum without Walls exhibit heritage walks and an exhibition.
Why has a brass plaque been added to one of the pillars?
The brass plaque, commemorating the Royal visit, was placed on one of the market house’s pillars by the former Ross-on-Wye Urban District Council. The plaque unfortunately fell off and has been in storage for several years. It has now been returned to its original place.
Will Made in Ross be returning to the Market House?
Yes, Made in Ross will be returning the Market House in October.
What will happen to the boards that were around the market house?
All the artists have been contacted with the option of collecting them or leaving them in the Town Council’s care. The boards that are not being returned will be displayed on the fencing surrounding the Town Council’s depot on Homs Road in the near future.
What are the future plans?
The Town Council will be working hard to increase the size of the Market on both Thursdays and Saturdays and hope residents will show their support to both old and new traders. Although the Market House will be open beforehand, there will be an official relaunch event at the Market House on Saturday 9th November which will incorporate a market and entertainment during the day and a civic event later in the afternoon. We will release more details on this in the coming weeks.