Whitworth Art Gallery (Grade II listed)
Whitworth Art Gallery (Grade II listed)
Whitworth Art Gallery (Grade II listed)

heritage

project:

grade II listed roof and spire restoration

client:

The University of Manchester

value:

£456,000


location:

Manchester

scope of work


Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester is a Grade II listed building of significant historic and architectural importance. the project involved extensive roof remedial works, edge protection installation, and the eradication of dry rot, all carried out while the gallery remained fully operational. to facilitate external access, a bespoke scaffold system was erected around the building, incorporating six-metre hoarding, CCTV, and an alarm sensor system to ensure public safety.


roof works included the careful removal and replacement of damaged slates, modification and re-leading of box gutters to address water ingress, and the removal and replacement of two roof lights containing asbestos. timber splicing was undertaken on the spire and finials where rot had compromised the structure, followed by repainting of all leadwork and protective finishes.


internally, water-damaged lime plaster was removed and replaced with new lime plaster, with scaffold installed within the staircase to safely access areas affected by dry rot. all external repointing and masonry works were completed with samples approved by Manchester Council planners, ensuring compliance with heritage requirements.

challenges faced


the project presented several complex challenges that required careful planning and execution. maintaining roof integrity and keeping the building watertight while removing slates and repairing timber was essential. managing public access within a live building environment demanded internal hoarding and careful phasing of works to ensure the gallery remained safe and accessible.


co-ordination with the gallery’s operations team was crucial, particularly when works took place above the conference facilities, which are regularly hired for events; scheduling adjustments were often required to avoid disruption.


accessing the spire posed additional logistical challenges, as traditional scaffolding could not be installed due to weight limitations and restricted space. this was overcome by using a specialist high-reach platform to carry out timber splicing and leadwork repainting safely at height.

outcome


whilst the project remains ongoing, the majority of the works have been completed, restoring the structural and aesthetic integrity of Whitworth Art Gallery while preserving its heritage character. roof leaks have been resolved, dry rot eradicated, timbers and plaster renewed, and all leadwork and spire finishes refreshed, ensuring the building’s long-term resilience.



the gallery remained fully operational throughout the works, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver technically demanding heritage projects with minimal disruption. delivered for the University of Manchester as part of the wider framework, the project highlights the team’s capability to work on high-profile, heritage-sensitive buildings while maintaining strong client collaboration.