The Grade 2 structure in Adelaide Crescent, which dates back to the 1830s, will be renovated to restore some of its rare and unique features.
At long last, after years of pressure from FOPA and with the help of our Ward Councillors, work will begin on Stage 1 of repairs to the Adelaide garden south retaining wall. This is due to start on 4th September and last nine weeks.
The work is to be carried out for the City Council by DBR Southern, who have an impressive record of work to important historic structures and are currently employed on the restoration of St Peter’s Church in the Upper Steine. To avoid loss of parking bays for the necessary building site facilities, the contractor’s compound will be sited on the hardstanding of the former gardener’s enclosure in the Adelaide garden. There will be one or two stonemasons on site from 7.30am to 4pm each working day. A generator will be needed but will not be activated before 8am. Stage 1 involves structural repairs and protection from further deterioration, so the wall will not look much different when this work is finished but will be stabilised. It is hoped that funding can be identified for a future Stage 2 of cosmetic restoration of the roman cement decorations, dating from the early 1830s.
FOPA are involved at all stages of the work, as liaison with the local community and for our local knowledge.
(Picture Left to Right: FRANK INGLIS, COUNCILLOR PHÉLIM MAC CAFFERTY, RICHARD HAWKES, AND CHAIRMAN OF FRIENDS OF PALMEIRA AND ADELAIDE PETER JUKES)