Re-plastering of Elizabeth College being done in stages

The works on the front of the building began in October.

The maintenance team first noticed cracks and small holes and so decided to re-plaster the outside using lime imported from Saint-Astier in France, which has been supplied by Limeworks.

So far, about 10 tonnes of lime has been imported.

As a protected historic building, the college’s exterior had to maintain the same colour and appearance.

Limeworks’ Leigh Le Noury worked with Elizabeth College on the project to match the existing render of the building.

‘Saint-Astier provides lime that is consistent in shade and quality, which is good because it is very difficult to get a good shade match,’ said Angela Le Noury of Limeworks.

‘This has proven in the team’s efforts, working together with Limeworks, to provide the perfect coloured render for the college.

‘These lime products allow moisture to evaporate and protects older buildings, reducing the risk of damp.

‘I am very happy with the work so far. It looks wonderful.’

She said Limeworks was lucky to have a very strong relationship with Saint-Astier.

‘There are other quarries, but we are lucky that we had built an early relationship with Saint-Astier, and they have extensive lime quarries in France.’

She said despite Brexit and the pandemic, the company has had no supply issues with the lime.

The college’s maintenance team will move clockwise around the building, with the work starting again in Easter next year on the side facing the Grange.

Jason Mroch, from the maintenance team, said they had already filled 10 one-tonne bags with the pieces that had been removed from the building.

‘The idea was to do a section per year,' he said.

He said the rest of the building should be a lot quicker as they were initially delayed by weather, scaffolding and staffing issues.