Lichfield Waterworks Trust has announced it has been awarded a grant of more than £47,000 from Historic England to support a comprehensive architectural survey of Sandfields Pumping Station.
The historic building was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2020, following concerns over its deteriorating condition. Since then, the Trust has worked tirelessly to stabilise the structure and secure funding for the next phase of its preservation, with the ultimate aim of removing the building from the register.
Thanks to this significant grant, progress can now be made. Lichfield-based BHB Architects have been appointed to lead the full architectural and condition survey. Their work will inform a detailed specification for urgent repair works, making it watertight, and addressing immediate issues affecting its structural fabric.
The survey generate a comprehensive site presentation and a fully costed repair strategy, developed collaboratively with Historic England and Lichfield Waterworks Trust.
All proposed repair works will adhere to established conservation principles and best practices. The plans will carefully consider the impacts of climate change, while respecting the site’s architectural significance, character, and archaeological sensitivities.
The survey programme, which commenced on 10th April, will include a range of specialist assessments, including:
- Protected species survey
- Specialist timber condition survey
- Drainage CCTV and utility survey
- Drone survey
- Asbestos survey
- Topographical survey
This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and determination. We’re very grateful to Historic England for this grant and look forward to working with local firm BHB Architects and their colleagues to develop a solid roadmap for the future preservation of Sandfields Pumping Station. – Dr David Dimeloe, Trustee of Lichfield Waterworks
This project represents an important step forward in protecting one of Lichfield’s key heritage assets for future generations.
