Multi-million-pound restoration of Royal Pump Rooms to begin
The Arts and Assets teams at Warwick District Council are thrilled to announce that essential work to repair the roof of one of the region’s most important buildings will begin this week thanks to the award of substantial grant funding.
The vital restoration work to Leamington Spa’s Grade II listed Royal Pump Rooms is being funded through a £multi-million injection from the Arts Council England’s MEND (Museum Estate and Development) fund; a programme which aims to help museums and galleries across England carry out critical maintenance and infrastructure projects to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Work on the Royal Pump Rooms roof is expected to take 40 weeks to complete. The building and all of its services including,
- Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum,
- Visitor Information Centre and Box Office
- Library
- Warwick District Council’s Front-Line Services
- The Larder Café
will remain fully open throughout.
Local contractor and heritage conservation specialists Stepnell have been appointed by the Council to deliver the intricate repair and restoration programme, which will be carried out in tandem with the Future High Street funded Creative Hub project they are undertaking at the neighbouring Town Hall.
Councillor Ella Billiald Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Economy commented: "The Royal Pump Rooms is at the heart of our community and an integral part of Leamington Spa’s history. Thanks to the support of Arts Council England’s MEND funding, we are able to carry out these critical repairs to preserve this iconic building for generations to come.
It’s also great news that Stepnell, who are already delivering excellent work to rejuvenate the Town Hall, will be managing this important project; clearing demonstrating our confidence in their ability to handle complex conservation projects with care and precision.”
Adrian Barnes, Director Stepnell commented: We are delighted to be supporting Warwick District Council on the much-needed refurbishment of Leamington Spa’s Grade II listed Royal Pump Rooms. This important building will be carefully restored in collaboration with the Conservation and Heritage teams whilst minimising disruption to the building's operations. The project allows us to continue our proactive and productive relationship with the Council".
Councillor Billiald added: “We want to reassure the many users of the building that despite the scaffolding and some changes to access, it will be ‘business as usual’ at the Royal Pump Rooms throughout the restoration period and to thank them in advance for their patience and understanding.”
Regular updates will be provided to the public as the project progresses via the Royal Pump Rooms website and notices within the building.
