Building Works at the Guildhouse

It has been a little while since our last update, and there have been a number of developments, changes and inevitable hold-ups along the way. Unfortunately, the work has taken longer than we had originally hoped. As is often the case with building projects, particularly in an historic property such as the Guildhouse, things have proved more complex as the work has progressed.

We are also largely in the hands of our insurance company, their consultants and appointed contractors, so we continue to lean on them as much as possible to keep things moving and get everyone back into the Guildhouse as soon as we safely can.

Progress in the workshops

The good news is that we are now seeing some substantial progress.

In the wood workshop, the damaged ceiling has been removed, additional support work has been carried out, new plasterboard has been installed, and the ceiling has now been fully replastered and completed.

Work has also begun to the rear of the workshop, where some of the more significant cracking had occurred. Repairs and reinstatement are now underway, with associated work also extending into the roof structure and the studio above. Various areas have been strengthened and secured as part of this process, and overall we are pleased that things are moving in the right direction.

We are also continuing to work towards a suitable long-term solution for the steps leading up to the studio. This is still being reviewed as part of the wider building works, and we want to make sure that whatever is put in place is the right solution for the building going forward.

One of the challenges throughout the process is that changes or additional works often need to be reviewed and approved by consultants acting on behalf of the insurance company before contractors can proceed. At times, even relatively straightforward decisions can take several days to work through the process, which inevitably slows progress.

Because the building is already opened up and undergoing substantial work, the Guildhouse has also appointed its own independent structural engineer. We feel it is important to take this opportunity to make sure that the work being undertaken is appropriate, thorough and provides the best long-term outcome for the building. We effectively have one opportunity to address these issues properly while the building is in this condition, so we want to be confident that everything has been considered carefully before it is closed back up again.

Other improvements

Alongside the main building works, we are continuing to look at a number of practical improvements around the Guildhouse.

These include new handrails in certain areas and improved external lighting, particularly to make access safer and easier for workshops and activities taking place during the darker evenings.

We are also continuing with our plans to improve the wood workshop before it reopens, including the new dust extraction system and other improvements to the facilities and working environment.

When will courses restart?

We know this is the question everyone is most keen to have answered.

At this stage, our aim is to begin running courses again from around mid-September, starting with the upstairs studio space.

The studio requires comparatively less work than some of the other areas, so we are hopeful that this will be the first space ready to welcome students back. The wood workshop would then follow once the remaining building work and planned improvements, including the new dust extraction system, have been completed.

We do want to stress that mid-September is currently our target rather than a confirmed reopening date. We have not yet been given a definitive completion date by either the contractors or the insurance company, and with work of this nature there is always the possibility that further issues are uncovered as things progress.

Nevertheless, we are now seeing much more visible progress and are working hard to get the Guildhouse back up and running as soon as possible.

Looking ahead

One positive to come from this quieter period is that it has given us the opportunity to meet with a number of local artists, makers and tutors who are interested in running workshops at the Guildhouse once we reopen.

With both the studio space and the dining room available for additional workshops, we hope to introduce a much wider range of courses and creative activities alongside our existing programme. We have already met with several new tutors and have more visits planned over the coming weeks.

Once the building works are complete, we hope to reopen with improved spaces, new facilities and plenty of new workshops for everyone to get involved with.

Thank you again for your patience and continued support. We are very grateful for everyone’s understanding while this important work takes place, and we are really looking forward to welcoming you all back to the Guildhouse.