Project Background
Raglan Primary School in Bromley required a programme of specialist refurbishment works to its distinctive bell tower, addressing deterioration to the existing timber detailing, leadwork, decorations and surrounding roof areas. Due to the intricate design of the structure, the works required a sensitive approach that would preserve its architectural character while providing durable, long-term protection from the elements.
Inspire Contract Services were appointed to undertake the refurbishment, initially arranging for a timber preservation specialist to carry out detailed internal and external surveys. The findings helped inform the repair strategy, identifying areas requiring treatment, localised repair or replacement. Inspire also inspected the existing roof coverings to establish the extent of remedial works required.
The resulting programme combined specialist carpentry, new Code 5 leadwork, timber repairs, comprehensive decoration and remedial works to the surrounding roof and gable. Wherever practicable, existing elements were retained and repaired, with replacement mouldings and decorative panels introduced where deterioration meant this was no longer possible.
Given the elevated position and intricate construction of the bell tower, safe access and careful sequencing were essential. Scaffolding was erected around the bell tower and dormer window, enabling the detailed refurbishment to be undertaken safely while maintaining close attention to the original appearance of the structure.
Client
Mosaic Schools Learning Trust
Sector
Education
Location
Bromley, London
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The Works
Works involved the careful removal, repair and replacement of deteriorated elements while retaining the character and detailing of the original bell tower:
Timber & Decorative Repairs:
- Removal of perished timber mouldings & decorative panels.
- Installation of new timber trims, mouldings, decorative panels & firring boards to replicate the existing detailing.
- Installation of new packing timbers to the bell tower framework.
- Resin repairs & timber splice repairs to perished sections where removal was not possible.
- Preparation & redecoration of external timberwork using a high-quality external paint system.
- Preparation & painting of internal areas of the bell tower.
Leadwork & Roof Repairs:
- Removal of existing leadwork back to underlying structure.
- Installation of new Code 5 leadwork to the lower & middle sections, replicating the existing design and completed in accordance with current LSA recommendations.
- Preparation & redecoration of the upper section & spire.
- Replacement of slipped or damaged tiles to bell tower & surrounding roof areas. Re-bedding of defective ridge tiles.
- Installation of new lead detailing to the adjoining gable.
- Localised render and crack repairs, followed by redecoration of the gable and decorative features.
The Result
The completed refurbishment has restored the bell tower while retaining the distinctive architectural detailing that makes it such a prominent feature of the school building. Specialist timber repairs, replacement mouldings, new leadwork and comprehensive redecoration have addressed areas of deterioration while providing long-term protection against weathering.
Where existing timber elements could be retained, localised resin and splice repairs helped preserve the original structure, while new timber mouldings and decorative panels were installed where replacement was necessary. The new Code 5 leadwork to the lower and middle sections complements the original detailing while providing a durable, weatherproof finish in accordance with current LSA recommendations.
Repairs to surrounding tiles, ridge details, render and leadwork have further improved the integrity of the adjoining roof and gable areas, ensuring the project delivered a comprehensive refurbishment rather than simply addressing the visible elements of the tower. Together, these improvements will help protect the structure from future weathering and reduce the need for extensive remedial intervention.
Careful redecoration completed the transformation, with the contrasting white, black and lead finishes highlighting the bell tower’s intricate architectural features. The finished project provides the school with a restored and weather-protected landmark that retains its established character for future generations. The scheme also demonstrates Inspire’s ability to combine specialist craftsmanship, sympathetic repair and modern refurbishment techniques when working with architecturally detailed structures.
