A Woodhead Heritage project to create more teaching space in a Grade 1 Listed former courthouse, has won an award at this year’s regional Celebrating Construction Awards.
The project saw De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) create its business school in the historically significant Castle Hall, sited in the heart of the city.
As heritage specialists, it was important for Woodhead to consider carefully the conservation of the building, while bringing it up to modern standards and expanding the teaching space available to students and University staff.
The castle was last used as a criminal and civil court before closing in 1992. Standing in one of the building’s two high-ceilinged court rooms and gesturing at the beautiful exposed beams, the project included wall reparation, furniture restoration, window refurbishment, all with the backdrop of the greatest challenge to the project - gaining access with plant equipment and vehicles.
Named the top Preservation & Rejuvenation project at the East Midlands awards, the team is delighted with the accolade.
Daniel King, Team Leader for Woodhead Heritage, said: “A building as old as the castle at De Montfort University has already seen much renovation, additions, maintenance and repair over the eight centuries it has stood in the city. We were met with a few challenges during the project, but these were just hurdles we needed to overcome, and we did this very successfully, working collaboratively with the client.
“We’re really pleased to have won this award, it’s a real testament to the hard work and passion that goes into restoring buildings such as Castle Hall.”
This is the fourth year in a row Woodhead Heritage have taken home this particular award which demonstrates the company’s commitment to exceptional conservation in the historic environment.
2018 – Castle Hall
2017 – Delapre Abbey
2016 – Marble Hall
2015 – Lincoln Castle
See all the regional Celebrating Construction award winners.