Double Row Restoration Project launches at New Lanark

Building works have begun at New Lanark on Double Row, the last block of former millworkers’ housing to be restored at the historic site.

Article Source: New Lanark World Heritage Site
Last Updated: 8 March 2016 15:56

To coincide with the works beginning, bookings are now open for a range of free heritage-based community activities linked to the project.

Since its formation in 1974, New Lanark Trust has pioneered heritage-led regeneration and transformed a derelict site into one of World Heritage status. The last block of former millworkers’ housing to be restored is Double Row, a vacant and dilapidated terrace of eight four and five storey properties on Scotland’s Buildings At Risk Register. This important project will ensure the survival of this A-listed building of international architectural and historical significance by restoring it as residential accommodation.

The ‘Museum Stair’, a tenement within Double Row, was in continuous occupation from the 1790s – 1970s and is designated a Scheduled Monument, due to the remarkable survival of original artefacts and materials such as fireplaces, sinks, ‘set-in’ beds, remnants of wallpaper and linoleum. This rare example of early industrial workers’ housing is in a very poor, deteriorating condition and requires urgent conservation work. Due to the building’s fragile interior, access is currently restricted but this project will provide remote access and interpretation through the creation of a 3D Virtual Tour, which will offer a ground-breaking new visitor experience.

Total costs for this large scale regeneration project are over £4m. The two main funders are the Heritage Lottery Fund through its Townscape Heritage (TH) programme and Historic Environment Scotland through its Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). Additional funding has been secured from the Renewable Energy Fund (South Lanarkshire Council), The Wolfson Foundation and New Lanark Trust.

A range of free heritage-based community activities will be delivered in parallel with the construction works. For the first half of 2016, these include:

• Project Discovery Day – Hard Hat Tour – 14 April (limited places, booking essential via newlanark.org)
• Traditional Building Skills Workshops – 18 May (limited places, booking essential via newlanark.org)
• Project Discovery Day – Hard hat Tour – 16 & 23 June (limited places, booking essential via newlanark.org)
• Traditional Building Skills Workshops – 7 July (limited places, booking essential via newlanark.org)
• Back in Time Experience – 17 July (Free entry, step back in time for 1820’s family fun)

There are also a number of volunteering opportunities available, from undertaking historical research to assisting with project events. For more information please contact THproject@newlanark.org.

Miranda Lorraine, New Lanark’s Townscape Heritage Project Officer said “After years of planning we are delighted that works have begun to restore the Double Row tenement block to its former glory. We’d love the residents of New Lanark and the local community to get involved with the project, from taking part in the Traditional Building Skills Workshops to donning a hard hat and joining us for a guided tour of the site – there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy”