Finchingfield Guildhall: Major restoration work set to start on historic grade-I listed building

RESTORATION work to bring back to life an historically significant building in the heart of Finchingfield will soon be underway after the charity driving the initiative selected a contractor.

Since 2006 the Guildhall has been the focus of a major renovation and refurbishment project to return it to its former glory and turn it into a hub for the local community.

The volunteer-run Finchingfield Guildhall Trust has chosen Fairhurst Ward Abbots (FWA) to carry out the work.

It follows five years of obtaining over �1 million in grants to fund the scheme.

Trustee Jackie Bargman said: “FWA’s tender was certainly competitive but it was the level of care in its preparation and enthusiasm for the project that shone through.”

Conservation director at FWA, Chris Maryon, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this most interesting and challenging project, which sits perfectly with our experience, capability and resource and are honoured to be given the opportunity of joining a dedicated team, representing the Trust.

“We look forward to restoring one of our nation’s treasures over the coming months.”

Site preparations started this week and building works will commence in early January. The restoration is scheduled to take 66 weeks with a completion date set in April 2013.

Once completed, the Guildhall will boast a large multi-function room, library and museum.

Sir Roger Singleton, patron of the campaign to raise money for the internal renovation of the Guildhall, said: ‘This is the culmination of all the hard work put in by the trustees and project team, and has been several years in the making.