Pictured above: The cameo of Cardinal Wolsey is to be
incorporated into the new building and has been encased in
protective scaffolding and supported during demolition.
A major historic building in the heart of Leicester's Belgrave
area is being transformed into a £9.8 million landmark
development. Housing and regeneration group, LHA-ASRA is
transforming the former Sangra textile building into 102 new homes,
comprising 62 Extra Care apartments for older people and 40
affordable homes for rent and low-cost home ownership.
Loughborough-based contractor and developer William Davis Ltd is
handling the work on site, which is already proving to be one of
the most interesting projects the company has ever undertaken. The
original building, constructed in the 1920's was home to the Wolsey
knitwear company, taking its name from Cardinal Wolsey, the close
aide of King Henry VIII, who was buried in 1530 at Abbey Park,
Leicester. The building still features an exquisite sandstone cameo
of the Cardinal overlooking the park, which is being retained and
incorporated into the new development.
Preserving this unique feature has proved an interesting
challenge for the construction team. Firstly, the entire six
storey wall featuring the cameo has been encased in a temporary
frame and cage, supported on concrete blocks to provide additional
stability. Secondly, the building supporting this wall is being
removed to make way for the new development, and is being
systematically demolished piece by piece by a highly-skilled
operator using what is essentially a hydraulic 'nibbler'.
Pictured above: The 'nibbler'
The 'nibbler', a £300,000 Hitachi Zaxis 870 LCH, features
booms which extend to a total height of 43 metres. The hydraulic
jaws at the end of the booms are then positioned to precision-cut
through steel, concrete and brick, ensuring demolition with minimum
disruption and debris.
Once complete the building will be renamed The Wolsey in
recognition of the site's rich historical heritage and in
acknowledgement of the hosiery company which originally occupied
the mill.
William Davis will be supporting the local construction
industry, providing employment and training opportunities with
approximately 75% of the works costs being spent on local workers,
suppliers, sub-contractors and consultants.
The Wolsey, designed by Leicester-based architect rg&p, will
have a construction cost of £9.8 million, which is being
funded by LHA-ASRA together with a £7.3 million grant from
the Government's Homes and Communities Agency. Work is expected to
be complete in spring 2011.