Renovation of Renfrew Town Hall
As we celebrate our 40th year in the industry, we reflect on the exceptional projects that have defined our reputation for quality, precision, and reliability. One such project, completed 20 years ago, is the comprehensive renovation of the historic Renfrew Town Hall. This landmark undertaking perfectly demonstrates our range of services, our commitment to craftsmanship and our ability to deliver complex building restoration projects to the highest standards.
Project Background
Renfrew Town Hall is a significant historical structure that required extensive renovation to preserve its architectural integrity. The hall’s iconic spire and tower had suffered from years of exposure to the elements, necessitating urgent and meticulous restoration work. Given the building’s importance to the local community, Renfrew Town Hall’s renovation was not only about maintaining a structure but also about preserving a piece of the town’s heritage.
Balmore Specialist Contracts was entrusted to complete the restoration and renovation work.
Lead Work on the Spire and Tower
The spire and tower of Renfrew Town Hall are defining features of the building’s silhouette. Over time, the leadwork had deteriorated, posing risks to both the structure and the people below. Our team undertook the delicate task of stripping out the old lead and replacing it with new, high-quality materials. The work required precision to ensure the lead was formed and fitted to withstand the elements while maintaining the historical appearance of the original lead work. Our lead working specialists did wonders on this project with the work required on the lead detailing taking weeks of meticulous crafting to complete.
Scaffolding
Given the height and complexity of the building, we erected full scaffolding around the entire structure. This was essential for ensuring the safety of our workers and the integrity of the restoration process. Because of the time that this project took, scaffolding was the preferred option over rope access to allow our roofers, building maintenance team and lead works team easy access over a continual period of time. The scaffolding was designed to provide full access to all areas while minimising the impact on the surrounding environment and maintaining the building’s accessibility.
Roof Slating
The roof of Renfrew Town Hall was in dire need of refurbishment. As a leading roofing contractor in Scotland, we have extensive experience of re-roofing historic buildings likes this and meticulously replaced all the slating, using materials that matched the original as closely as possible. This not only restored the roof to its former glory but also enhanced the building’s weatherproofing, ensuring its longevity.
Joinery Work
In addition to the external work, our team also completed vital joinery work, repairing and restoring wooden elements of the structure that had suffered from rot and decay.
Project Challenges
One of the main challenges with this project was working on a building of such historical significance. Every decision had to balance the need for modern durability with respect for the building’s original design and materials. The high level of craftsmanship required for the leadwork, in particular, was a test of our team’s skill and attention to detail.
Another challenge was the weather. The weather in Scotland can work against you no matter what time of the year. Working at height, we had to account for wind and rain, which could have delayed the project or compromised safety. Our experience in managing such projects ensured that we maintained our timeline and delivered the work to the highest standards, regardless of these challenges.
The Results and Legacy
The renovation of Renfrew Town Hall was completed successfully on time, and within budget. The project not only restored the building’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improved its structural integrity. As a testament to the quality of our work, we provided a 25-year insurance-backed guarantee, ensuring that the Town Hall would remain a secure and cherished landmark for generations to come.
The Renfrew Town Hall renovation stands as a proud example of what we can do at Balmore and what we have achieved over the past 40 years. Our ability to handle complex restorations with precision and care is a hallmark of our business and as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we look back at projects like Renfrew Town Hall with pride, knowing that our work continues to make a lasting impact on communities and heritage sites across the region.
