Specialist Conservation Works to a Grade II Listed Building in Bury
UK Restoration Services were appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake specialist heritage restoration, conservation roofing and building fabric repairs at The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester. Located in the heart of Bury town centre and adjacent to the Grade II* listed Lancashire Fusiliers War Memorial, this prestigious heritage project involved a comprehensive programme of conservation-led repairs designed to protect and preserve one of Greater Manchester’s most important military heritage buildings.
The Grade II listed museum occupies a striking Neo-Renaissance building originally designed by renowned local architect Joshua Cartwright and completed in 1893. As a significant historic landmark within Bury’s cultural quarter, the building continues to attract visitors from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the North West, making the preservation of its historic fabric particularly important.
Conservation Challenges on a Live Museum Site in Greater Manchester
Working within an operational museum environment presented a number of unique challenges. The building remained open to visitors throughout the majority of the works, requiring careful planning, phased delivery and ongoing liaison with museum staff to minimise disruption while maintaining public safety.
In addition to the occupied museum spaces, the project site sits within a highly visible location in central Bury, overlooking the Gallipoli Garden and the Lancashire Fusiliers War Memorial. Scaffold design, access arrangements and material storage areas all required careful consideration to protect visitors and preserve the appearance of this important heritage setting.
Addressing Water Ingress Issues Affecting the Museum
The project was commissioned following persistent water ingress problems affecting several key public areas of the museum, including the reception, café and gift shop. Investigations identified failures within the existing flat roof system, defects to historic rainwater goods and deterioration of associated building fabric that required specialist conservation intervention.
As experienced heritage building contractors working throughout Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the North West, our team developed a comprehensive repair strategy that balanced modern performance requirements with the conservation needs of the Grade II listed structure.
Masonry Cleaning and Leadwork Conservation to the Broad Street Elevation
Works commenced at high level to several of the museums facades, where years of weathering and biological growth had affected the appearance and performance of the building’s historic stonework and drainage systems.
Using specialist Thermatech superheated steam cleaning techniques, our conservation team carefully removed staining and organic growth from the masonry while preserving the underlying historic fabric. Existing cast iron hoppers and downpipes were dismantled, cleaned, repaired and redecorated before reinstatement.
New bespoke lead catch pits, overflow chutes and drainage trays were fabricated and installed to improve rainwater management while maintaining the historic character of the building. Additional bird deterrent measures and stainless-steel mesh guards were incorporated to provide a robust, low-maintenance solution suited to the long-term conservation of the museum.
Flat Roof Renewal and Waterproofing Works in Bury
A major element of the project involved the complete renewal of approximately 136m² of failed flat roofing above the museum’s entrance, café and retail areas.
Following removal of the existing roof system, our team carried out structural inspections and localised timber repairs before installing a new ICB-approved Alwitra single-ply roofing system complete with tapered insulation, upgraded drainage outlets and new perimeter lead cappings. The completed system provides a durable and highly effective waterproofing solution backed by a 20-year manufacturer-supported guarantee.
Delivering Heritage Roofing Works Through Winter Conditions
One of the most challenging aspects of the project was completing critical roofing works during particularly wet winter conditions in Greater Manchester.
To protect the museum’s collections and occupied spaces below, our site teams implemented extensive temporary weatherproofing measures and worked extended hours to monitor exposed roof areas. Careful sequencing of the works allowed installation to progress while minimising the risk of further water ingress during periods of heavy rainfall.
This proactive approach ensured the successful delivery of the roof replacement programme despite challenging seasonal weather conditions.
High-Level Roof Repairs and Rainwater Goods Restoration
Specialist access solutions were required to reach several difficult-to-access roof and gutter locations situated beyond the museum’s distinctive sawtooth roof structure.
Detailed inspections identified deterioration to wall heads, timber elements, cast iron rainwater goods and high-level masonry. Our restoration specialists carried out localised rebuilding works using traditional lime mortar techniques, installed replacement structural timbers where required and reinstated roofing slates using conservation best practice.
Historic gutters and downpipes were repaired, re-levelled and tested to establish correct falls and improve long-term drainage performance across the building.
Specialist Joinery Repairs to Historic Museum Windows
During the works, significant deterioration was identified to a traditional sash window serving the museum’s Gallipoli Room.
The window was carefully removed and transported to our specialist joinery workshop where repairs were undertaken using traditional timber repair techniques. Once restored, the sash window was reinstalled and finished to match the surrounding historic joinery, preserving the architectural character of the building while extending the lifespan of the original fabric.
Internal Refurbishment and Reinstatement Works
Following completion of the external waterproofing and roof repairs, internal reinstatement works were undertaken throughout the museum.
Damaged plasterboard ceilings and wall finishes within the café, gift shop and circulation spaces were replaced and redecorated to match existing finishes. Works were carefully programmed around museum operations, with many activities undertaken during quieter periods and seasonal closures to minimise disruption to visitors.
Heritage Building Restoration Contractors in Bury, Greater Manchester
The successful completion of The Fusilier Museum project demonstrates UK Restoration Services’ expertise in delivering complex heritage restoration, listed building repairs and conservation roofing projects throughout Bury, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the wider North West region.
By combining traditional conservation skills with modern roofing technologies, specialist access solutions and careful stakeholder management, we successfully resolved long-standing water ingress issues while protecting the historic significance of this important Grade II listed building.
The completed works have safeguarded the museum’s fabric, improved its weather resistance and ensured that this important heritage asset can continue serving the people of Bury and Greater Manchester for many years to come.
