Client:

Saffron Walden Town Council

SERVICES PROVIDED

Wilby & Burnett provided a comprehensive suite of professional services, acting as both Architect and Building Surveyor to rescue and restore this iconic Grade II listed landmark. Following a detailed condition survey that identified the building as structurally dangerous, our team immediately coordinated emergency scaffolding to ensure public safety before managing the project from initial inception through to post-completion. Our involvement was highly technical, encompassing the procurement of Listed Building Consent, the specialist design of new structural elements, and the meticulous reinstatement of “lost” historic features—such as the front right parapet and ornate chimneys—using carefully selected matching brickwork and traditional materials. Throughout the refurbishment, we navigated complex logistical challenges, including road diversions and multi-council liaison, to deliver a sympathetic restoration that restored the building’s insurance viability and preserved its mock-Tudor heritage for the Market Square community.

Grade II Listed Refurbishment

Saffron Walden Town Hall is a mock Tudor style Grade II Listed building within a Conservation Area in a prominent location at the Market Square. The poor condition of the building meant that storm cover had been revoked from their building insurance. W&B completed a condition survey where the building was found to be in dangerous condition. W&B arranged for the erection of temporary scaffolding to protect the public from falling debris. Funding was then sourced by the client for the complete refurbishment of the building envelope.

The works included working with 3 Councils (Town, District and County), road diversions, footpath closures and Listed Building Consent. Replacement structural members, rebuilding of ornate chimneys, repairs to lime pargetting, timber repairs, replacement leadwork and cast-iron rainwater goods repairs were carried out. Specialist design was required for new structural elements and coordination with the scaffolding temporary support frame.

Planning permission was required including reduction in height of unsupported chimneys and introduction of lost original features. The front right parapet which can be seen on this photo was missing. W&B found it had been removed in a previous refurbishment over 100 years ago. The new parapet returned an original feature to the property. The bricks were carefully selected by W&B to match the original property. We worked closely with the conservation team during the planning process including agreeing sample materials and workmanship details of the replacement elements. W&B managed the project from inception to post completion, and still assist the client with other maintenance on the property to this day.