Walter Lilly has been appointed to carry out essential heritage and refurbishment works to the Grade II listed Riding School Barracks building, as part of the St John’s Wood Square redevelopment project. Originally constructed in 1824, the building comprises a large brickwork structure measuring circa 56m long and 19m wide, with a timber truss roof and slate coverings.

Following initial surveys, site investigations and unpinning, the building was deemed structurally sound but in need of significant aesthetic improvements. Our scope includes extensive internal and external brickwork repairs, including cleaning, repointing with traditional lime mortar, and the replacement of severely damaged sections caused by previous construction works. To facilitate these repairs, Walter Lilly has installed a full access scaffold alongside a temporary rolling roof and internal birdcage, with brick sample panels produced for client approval.

Roofing works include necessary alterations, the replacement of Welsh slate, and the installation of new roof build-ups, insulation, upgraded guttering, and rooflights. The existing timber roof trusses will be restored and strengthened, with temporary propping applied using the independent internal birdcage. New sections of timber truss ends will be spliced where required, with the historic metal strapping to the trusses overhauled and repaired.

Additionally, we are undertaking the restoration of an existing clock and clock tower, installing a new mechanism to ensure full functionality and adding two new clock faces to the East and North elevations. New timber windows and doors, featuring high-performance glass, have been designed to make a strong visual impact.

The Riding School works are being treated as a standalone project despite their proximity to the larger neighbouring redevelopment. However, due to both schemes running concurrently, we are working in close collaboration with adjacent contractors to ensure seamless project delivery on both sides.