Vital repair work saves listed Staffordshire castle gatehouse
Tamworth Borough Council has shared that 'vital repair work' has been completed on the town’s significant heritage assets, Holloway Lodge.
The final cost for the project would cost around £161,000.
This Grade II listed property dating back to 1810 is the gothic-style gateway to Tamworth Castle grounds. Along with the nearby Coach House and its courtyard, the buildings form a part of Tamworth’s historic landscape and heritage.
The property experienced signs of deterioration due to long-term exposure to the elements and age-related issues.
The project has completed nearly three months later than originally planned due to a redesign of the roof replacement to avoid using lead, which had been targeted by thieves on multiple occasions.
The new roof has been constructed using stainless steel and salvaged slate, providing a durable, watertight solution while preserving the building’s character. Although working with these materials was more challenging than traditional lead, the result is a secure and resilient roof that mitigates the risk of future theft.
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“I’m really pleased to see this important restoration work to Holloway Lodge," Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure, heritage, for Tamworth Borough Council, said.
He continued: “This project demonstrates how careful planning and innovative solutions can turn the challenges caused by criminal theft into a long-term positive outcome for the building. The restoration is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to protecting Tamworth’s historic sites and investing in the future of its cultural heritage. These repairs have made the building secure and watertight, and the historic fabric is preserved from further deterioration, but more work will be needed when funds become available to bring this building back to full use.”
