CGC0420 - Conservation Work Town House, Inverness.

Descriptions

Designed by Matthews and Lawrie and built in 1872-82, Inverness Town House is a building of considerable architectural distinction and is a significant focal point in the centre of Inverness. It is characterised externally by its original sandstone ashlar elevations which are embellished with numerous features such as turrets, string courses, mouldings and ornate details. The stonework is of exemplary quality but it is in poor condition and a major programme of conservation and repair is required. At risk also are the roofs and rainwater dispersal systems, which require overhauling, and the windows, many of which are graced by stained glass.The Highland Council appointed a team of specialists, led by LDN Architects, to assess and define the extent of external repairs required. In conjunction with Historic Scotland, an options appraisal of potential repairs solutions was undertaken and it was concluded that the long term future of this important building can only be secured by indenting large areas of stonework with a suitable replacement. On particular facades, up to 80% of the stones, many of which are carved, will require replacement. The estimated value of the repairs is in the region of 6.5M GBP, of which 4.5 GBP is stonework, and the project will be part funded by Historic Scotland.The Highland Council wishes to appoint a Principal Contractor who is suitably qualified, competent, experienced and capable of undertaking the project using the highest standards of workmanship so that the Town House is restored to its original splendour.The project will be undertaken in phases, commencing with the Castle Wynd façade and moving clockwise around the main High Street façade before tackling the Castle Street façade. Each phase will also contain an element of roof overhaul as well as window repair and replacement by stained glass specialists. The building will continue to be fully occupied by The Highland Council throughout the project and this will include many scheduled civic functions in the main first floor spaces.Note: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=310449.The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.