Porters Perked Up!
Published Thursday 8th April 10 in Regeneration projects news
A host of historic heirlooms are set to return to Porters - the recently restored Grade One Listed residence of the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend.
The 500-year-old building has just undergone an extensive programme of structural repairs, including the replacement of beams and ceilings using traditional natural materials.
While refurbishment work was taking place the building's unique contents, including valuable grandfather clocks and antique chairs, were taken away for specialist storage.
But the heirlooms are due to arrive back next week as part of the final preparations for the forthcoming re-opening of Porters.
Lorraine Butler, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Interim Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, said: "This refurbishment has proved a fascinating challenge.
"Porters is a Grade 1 Listed Building and we had to replace a lath and plaster ceiling with oak laths and lime putty.
"Essential upgrades were also carried out on the Mace Bearer's Cottage, but we have managed to keep the project well within the £275,000 budget for the work."
"The ingredients for this included a mixture of horsehair and goat hair and it took a very long time to dry because of the extreme weather conditions
"We also undertook outside work including attending to the 500-year-old drains and lowering the flower beds to prevent them affecting the damp course.
For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702 215000 Ext 5939 or email media@southend.gov.uk.