Repairs to Ross Market House

The proposed works are to the grade II* listed and scheduled ancient monument of Ross-on-Wye Market House.

History: Ross Market House dates back to the late 17th century and is thought to have replaced an earlier timber framed structure. The building is both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II* listed and is protected under both Ancient Monuments and Archeological Areas Act 1979 [ID No. 1001767] and Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as amended, for its special architectural or historical interest [ID No. 1098680].

As such this architecturally significant and historically important building is governed directly from the Secretary of State and administered through Historic England.

Repairs are of a highly specialist nature and must only be carried out in the approved manner under the guidance of the given documentation.

A schedule of repairs has been collated in collaboration with Historic England. The repair works have gained approval from the Secretary of State which allowed tendering for specialist contractors.

The architectural significance and historic importance of the building warrants a selective tendering process to safeguard the building against inappropriate building works. Materials selected and the levels of workmanship have been thoroughly considered for their appropriateness and authenticity when working with such a prominent and sensitive site.

Qualification: Due to the sensitive and historical and archeological significance of the building, contractors submitting tenders must have extensive experience working with historic structures and will be required to submit at least three examples of work for consideration.

Repairs: Generally the building has suffered extensive stone erosion. A significant amount of the repair is focused on the stone window surrounds and areas of low level eroded stone to the rear south elevation.

Contractors must demonstrate a history of working with the intricacies of historic buildings, especially in the area of stone repairs.

Repairs to the building fabric include:

Roofing and associated leadwork

Stone replacement and mortar repairs

Leaded window reconstruction and repair

Minor lime render, plaster repairs and redecoration

The extent of the building works will be subject to a successful grant award.