INAPPROPRIATE materials used to refurbish a grade
II-listed arts venue have contributed to “damp penetration” , according to surveyors.
The Witham, in Barnard Castle, underwent a £3.2million renovation six years ago, but the 174-year-old building now needs “urgent repairs” to stop further damage.
Chairwoman of the trustees Shelagh Avery says she was “disappointed” the building needed repair work so soon after the costly refurbishment.
The trustees have now applied to Durham County Council for listed building consent to carry out work to fix the problems which are causing water to damage the fabric of the building. The costs are unknown.
In a heritage statement prepared by Peter Lewis, from Lewis Surveying Associates on behalf of The Witham trustees, he states the testimonial hall and the event hall have both suffered damp in recent years.
Mr Lewis said two surveys were carried out in 2016 and early 2019 to identify the building defects.
He said contributing factors to blame for this include “inappropriate adaptations” and “use of materials introduced during the major refurbishment” . He added that the need for regular maintenance was also a factor.
Work to stop water entering the building include the parapet guttering on the front roof, with the installation of a new cast iron rainwater hopper and down pipe to stop any further deterioration.
Plans are in place for the “removal of inappropriate flashing detail to gable coping stones which is deflecting rainwater into the fabric of the wall” .
Exterior walls with cement pointing and render will also be replaced with lime mortar and render to allow them to “breathe” .
Lead work to some parts of the building’s roof system will be scrapped, timber framework will be repaired and replacement lead, measuring a minimum of 750mm, will be installed.
Plaster damaged by water will be removed on internal walls and replaced with lime based product.
A timber screen will be reinstated in front of the masonry work within the building, allowing the stone to breathe.
The original renovation works were led by Durham County Council which provided funding along with Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ms Avery said she does not know yet how much the repairs will cost.
