The Town Hall is a Grade II* listed building and whilst the building is generally well maintained, there have been issues with water ingress due to either defects in the external roof coverings and rainwater goods, blockages, or poor design generally. The roofs are a complex arrangement of intersecting slopes, mostly slate covered, discharging into both lead lined gutters and cast iron eaves gutters. Inspection revealed a number of defects and areas of damage that require rectification. In addition to this there are areas along the main street frontage that are poorly designed with difficult access for maintenance, specifically the areas below the turrets. The water ingress along this side of the building has resulted in fairly extensive damage to the internal plasterwork and joinery at the two ends below the turrets.

Herefordshire Council require a Conservation Accredited Architects to provide a localised pathology survey of the areas of damp ingress, notably gutters and outlets and provide recommendations for improvement works including a schedule of works and detailed specification.

Hawkes Edwards Conservation Architects were identified as the bidder representing best value for money following competitive quotations and assessment process in accordance with Council procurement procedures. Quotations were invited from three prospective consultants and two returned valid tenders for consideration.

The work to be awarded to Hawkes Edwards Conservation Architects at a cost of £15,007.50 out of the residue of the £200,000 capital budget.

It is anticipated that the remedial works will be funded from the Estates Capital Programme 2022/23.