Scaffolding is being erected at the Grade II listed mansion house in Central Park, marking the re-start of the work to restore the building and gardens, following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pounds House is the iconic building in Central Park. Historical deterioration and damage has resulted in the need for work to be carried out on windows and window frames, plaster and render, roof and dormers, gutters and the impressive loggia, balcony and balusters.
To enable much of the work to be carried out, the building needs to be unoccupied.
Investigation works were due to commence last year, to understand the scale of the work needed. These were put on hold to allow the building to be used as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations but were then further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed on council officers and specialist contractors.
On March 4, the council re-started the preparatory work needed to move the project forward. As part of a regular inspections, immediate concerns have been raised about the aged window frames.
To protect the public against any potential falling debris, scaffolding is being installed over the next few days. This will also assist with preparation works for the wider project.
The council will now move forward with their investigations into the state of the damage, what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance for Plymouth City Council, said: “We know that Pounds House is a much-loved, civic building that has been sadly neglected. Ideally we wanted to kick-start the restoration work last year, but like many things, the pandemic scuppered those plans.
“We are now raring to go. With the detailed investigation work about to begin to help us really understand the scale of the repairs needed.
“Whilst the works will not be quick – and could take up to two years, we are committed to moving this project forward and bring Pound House back into use, restored to its former glory!”
Information about the wider regeneration project will be available in the coming weeks and a wider piece of work will look at all the options on the future use of the property. This will be subject to detailed community engagement and consultation.
Works are expected to take two years.
