Reroofing work to start at Castle Cornet

This marks the start of a major project to reroof the building.

The current roof dates from the 1970s and it has reached the end of its serviceable life. For several years there has been water getting into the building.

This has been a problem for Guernsey Museums because the building not only houses visitor facilities but also the Hatton Gallery and the Maritime Museum, which include important paintings and hundreds of historic objects.

R.G. Phillips has been appointed as the main contractor.

Managing director Rob Phillips said: ‘R.G. Phillips & Son Ltd was delighted to be awarded the contract for the roofing works to the Maritime Museum. Our team are looking forward to working closely with both the States of Guernsey Heritage Services and Property Services departments on this landmark building. The logistics in carrying out these works will be challenging due to the exposed position within the castle and the difficulty in servicing the site due to its location and measures are now being put in place to facilitate these difficulties.’

It will take around two months to construct the scaffolding and canopy before work to strip the roof can start. New slate tiles have been selected and will be used to cover the roof. Engineering work will also have to be carried out within the building to strengthen the roof timbers. Some repair to the roof timbers is also expected.

Acting head of Heritage Services Helen Glencross has been involved in the project from the start.

‘I am pleased that this significant building within Castle Cornet is undergoing such vital maintenance,’ she said.

‘The work will give this building a new lease of life and ensure it can continue to be used by our visitors.’

The work is scheduled to be completed at the end of the summer.