The contract requires work to the existing octagonal and square towers which together form Hadlow Tower. It includes the reinstatement of render and missing precast and moulded decoration and the reconstruction of the dismantled lantern at the top of the octagonal tower. A new steel support structure will replace the existing timber frame on several levels.聽
The restored building will contain an exhibition space for the general public with access to the lantern balcony at the top of the tower, where there will be spectacular views across the North Kent Weald. In addition, there will be holiday accommodation for six people who will have exclusive use of the tower for three, four or seven day long periods.
The building will be repaired to its original condition using, as far as possible, the original materials. The team is also researching the correct repair techniques and is intending to give training to apprentices on these historic building methods so that these skills are not lost.
Hadlow Tower is included on the list of the world鈥檚 top 100 endangered monuments. This will be the first time this building has ever been made accessible to the public.
The project will be funded partly by grants from Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.
Work is due to start on site in February and complete in September 2012.
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