Client
Coldharbour (Blackwall) Management Limited
Value
£305k
Sectors & Services
Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Cleaning & Preparation External Façade Refurbishment Projects
In May 2016, CRL Restoration was appointed to restore a Grade II listed riverside building located directly on the River Thames. Originally constructed in 1983 as a Police Station, the structure was undergoing conversion into residential flats, requiring sensitive refurbishment to preserve its architectural and historic value. Its prominent waterfront location, listed status, and partial occupation during the works presented significant constraints.
The project was necessary to address widespread fabric deterioration, including brickwork, stone, timber, steel, and concrete elements, while ensuring the building met modern residential standards. Careful coordination with the client and Conservation Officer was essential to balance heritage preservation with programme, safety, and access requirements.
Services undertaken
- Brick repairs and re-pointing
- Decorative finishes
- Lime render application
- Stone repairs
- Leadwork repairs
- Timber repairs and renewal
- Roof tiling works
- Removal and installation of glass dormer windows
- Localised concrete repairs
- Treatment to steel girders over the river
- Full façade condition survey
- Heritage liaison with client and Conservation Officer
The scope of works encompassed a wide range of traditional and specialist repair disciplines, reflecting the varied construction and exposure conditions of the building. Brick repairs and extensive repointing were undertaken to stabilise the masonry and reinstate weather resistance, complemented by lime render and decorative finishes appropriate to the listed façade. Localised stone repairs were carried out where deterioration had occurred, alongside leadwork repairs and roof tiling to ensure long-term protection against water ingress.
Timber repairs formed a significant element of the works. Following scaffold erection and a full façade survey with the client, many original timber window frames were found to be beyond economical repair. Skilled joiners were engaged to carry out extensive refurbishment and, where necessary, full replacement of window elements, ensuring continuity of appearance and programme compliance. Glass dormer windows were carefully removed and reinstalled as part of the wider refurbishment.
Concrete repairs were undertaken to specific structural elements, while steel girders spanning over the river required specialist treatment. These works could only be completed during low tide, demanding precise planning and coordination. Access and logistics were further complicated by restricted road access and the need to programme deliveries carefully. With the flats occupied throughout, all noisy or dusty activities were restricted to agreed time windows. Through detailed programming, close stakeholder coordination, and experienced site management, CRL Restoration successfully delivered a complex heritage refurbishment within a challenging operational environment.
"Working on this old police station that was built in 1894 was a genuine privilege. The workmanship from that era was something to behold. We need to do all we can to conserve this heritage."
Patrick Smythe | Site Manager | CRL Restoration
Beyond addressing immediate defects, the works delivered long-term resilience and enhanced asset value for this prominent Thames-side structure. By combining traditional materials with carefully planned concrete and steel repairs, CRL Restoration improved durability while respecting the building’s listed status.
Thoughtful sequencing of tidal works, strict control of disruptive activities, and collaborative engagement with the client and Conservation Officer ensured operational continuity throughout the refurbishment. The completed works reduced future maintenance demands, safeguarded vulnerable riverside elements, and supported the successful transition of the building to residential use.
This project highlights CRL’s professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to deliver complex heritage repairs safely, efficiently, and in line with asset management objectives.
