Update to Almonry Project

Battle Town Council has been working on the Almonry project for over 4 years, with plans to repair and improve the Grade II* Listed Almonry Building. The project will ensure the heritage building delivers an efficient and safe working environment and fulfils the Council’s statutory and moral obligations to make it accessible to all.

The improvements to the Almonry building will also support the town’s post-COVID-19 recovery, with a focus on developing the town’s tourism offering and supporting local enterprise.

In 2020, Battle Town Council undertook a consultation process with residents to understand how they would like the Town Council to take the Almonry project forward. Although the response rate of the consultation was disappointing, Council took the view that residents trusted in their elected Members to make the best decision for this heritage building. It was also felt that the responses provided evidence that the Council must find a way to bring the Almonry up to an acceptable standard and keep it as a Council office.

After many years of previous Councils not undertaking significant maintenance and repairs, the Council is keen for the works to commence as soon as possible to protect the historic building from further deterioration.

Following the strict tender process, the preferred contractor has been selected at a cost of £573,193.53. Council has always acknowledged that this work will require appropriate professionals to project manage and ensure the work to the Town’s heritage building, The Almonry, is carried out to the highest standard and in line with the regulations surrounding listed buildings. At this week’s meeting, Council were presented with the costs to complete this project at £42,679.76. The project cannot move forward without the services of an Architect, Quantity Surveyor and other relevant specialists. By a majority vote, the motion to instruct JD Clarke and Blade Consulting to undertake these crucial tasks was agreed.

The Council has submitted applications to Historic England’s COVID-19 Emergency Heritage at Risk Response Fund and Rother District Council’s Community Grant Fund to raise funds towards urgent repairs and a discrete project to provide full access for those with disabilities, which both contribute to the overall improvements to the building. Council’s Ear Marked Reserves will provide match funding for the accessibility items requested from the Community Grant. An application will shortly be made to the Public Works Loan Board with a plan for works to commence in Spring 2021.

For further information on the Almonry Project click here.