An agreement has been reached between Bradford Council and the Ilkley Manor House Trust regarding the replacement of the roof of the Grade 1-listed Manor House.
A full survey by a heritage roofing contractor was commissioned by the Ilkley Manor House Trust last autumn after a tile fell from the room. The survey concluded that the roof required a complete overhaul with all the slates being removed.
The total cost for works, including a review and upgrade the thermal insulation which would help reduce rapidly escalating energy bills for the House, was around £100,000.
Owner and landlord, Bradford Council, said at the time that its financial situation does not permit it to undertake the work.
Negotiations have continue between Bradford Council and the Ilkley House Trust and today its been announced that the council will fund the repairs.
Sarah Thomas, Chair of the Trust, says:
“This is such good news for us and secures the long-term future of the Trust, enabling us to keep the building as a community asset for the foreseeable future.”
The Trust is working on plans and a timeline for the work, which will begin this year and be completed as soon as possible.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, says:
“We’re committed to preserving and enhancing the historic buildings in our District, and I’m pleased we’re able to invest in a new roof for the fantastic Ilkley Manor House.”
The Trust is also discussing with the Council ways to improve the performance and environment within the House. Ilkley Manor House Trust will fund these improvement works, and we will launch a fundraising campaign for this additional but essential work later in the spring.
Roger Tilbrook, retired Chartered Building Surveyor and one of our Trustees, who is taking the lead on this project explains:
“This is an opportunity for us to use modern materials and technology to upgrade the performance of the building in a sympathetic manner whilst retaining the visual appearance of the centuries-old façade.”