Grade II Listed North Yorkshire Police Station Converted Into 32-Bedroom Inn
A former police station situated on Northallerton High Street is set to be converted into a 32 bedroom in by autumn 2021. The grade II listed Georgian building will create up to 50 new jobs and has previously been home to North Yorkshire Police, a public library and a local authority office. It has been vacant since the police moved to new headquarters at Alverton Court but still contains police cells and a reception desk from its previous use.
As this building is Grade II listed, The Inn Collection Group, who have taken on the project will have employed a team that specialise in structural engineering in Yorkshire to oversee what can be a complicated process.
This is because buildings are granted Grade II listing when they have special architectural or historical significance and are subject to special regulations to protect them. Alterations and construction work can not be carried out on listed buildings without applying for and receiving written consent from the relevant council authorities. Over 92% of listed buildings in the UK fall into the Grade II category so if a special building has caught your attention, it is important you seek permission for alterations to the building.
To gain a better understanding of what you might be taking on with a listed property it is important to have a building survey carried out by a conservation specialist structural engineer. Part of this survey will highlight any potential repairs and general maintenance as well as any unauthorised work carried out by previous owners. Unauthorised work or alterations to listed buildings are deemed a criminal offence and can result in fines, prison sentences and charges for reverting the building back to its original state.
Specialist conservation structural engineers will take a sensitive engineering approach which involves conserving original fabrics and using existing materials wherever possible whilst still ensuring the structure is suitable for its intended usage. This is important as planning consent for listed buildings will always take into account the level of conservation and attention to the heritage and significance of the property. Repair is always favoured over replacement and if material does have to be replaced due to it being unsuitable it should be matched to the original material where possible or be a suitable and honest replacement material.
Specialist structural engineers can carry out initial surveys, assist with planning applications and oversee any construction work or alterations made to the property. This is vital when working with listed building but also any building that may have compromised structural integrity due to age or damage. Structural engineers will also have knowledge of construction techniques, materials and architectural styles of historical buildings.
Listed buildings can be beautiful properties to own but it is vital that you find the correct specialists to assist in all aspects of acquiring and altering a listed property. Alan Wood & Partners have a number of experienced engineers who have a wealth of knowledge in the provision of structural engineering in Yorkshire. Our team of structural engineers can appreciate the aims of all parties involved with listed properties as well as being cognisant of the desire to use original materials whilst always considering economic factors.
