Construction firm wins contract for heritage restoration project

A building contract has been awarded to Ilkley-based company Dobsons to refurbish South Square Centre, in Thornton, Bradford.

South Square Centre is a Grade II listed series of workers cottages set around a cobbled square at the heart of Thornton Village’s Conservation area.

The work is due to start on site in the next week and will be completed next June 2021.

It will include refurbishing the roof, windows, brickwork as well as improvements to electrics, heating and fire safety.

The café Plenty at the Square will remain open for takeaway lunches, coffees and cakes. The galleries and community spaces will have to close during the works and the spaces will relaunch next summer.

This has been funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation as well as other charitable trusts.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, healthy people and places portfolio holder, said: “We are delighted a local contractor has been appointed to refurbish these important heritage cottages.

“The district has some fantastic historic architecture and we are committed to do everything we can to preserve and protect them.”

In October South Square received an award from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the pandemic and secure a sustainable future for the centre.

This has enabled South Square to provide five month rent-free period for all the tenants including the café, a bar, three non-profit organisations and 14 artists studios on site.

Yvonne Carmichael, director at South Square Centre, said: “After years of planning and the added challenges 2020 has brought us, it feels completely amazing to have the building works actually start on site.

“South Square will be warmer, drier and more energy efficient. It will be a much more welcoming space for exhibitions, events and community activities.”

Ben Marshall, of Dobsons Construction Ltd, added: “We are excited to have been awarded the refurbishment contract of the South Square Centre.

“Based in Ilkley and established in 1972 we pride ourselves on traditional construction core values and have an abundance of experience working on listed and heritage projects as well as numerous community developments.

“We look forward to working with Yvonne and the design team and contributing to the refurbishment and careful renovation of this Grade II listed public and community building in the heart of Thornton.”

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