Llancaiach Fawr Manor Refurbishment Project

Descriptions

Llancaiach Fawr is a Grade I Listed Manor House situated south of the B4254 approximately 3km west of Gelligaer.The Manor was purchased in 1979 by Rhymney Valley District Council and opened to the public. Part of the original concept in the 1980s was to use the Manor to serve as a local museum and the building was fitted out with modern services and means of escape by internal spiral stair.The manor is now owned and operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council.Over the years the way the building is presented has changed very significantly and interpretation of the Manor is now through the medium of costumed, live first-person interpretation, whereby the servants of the house from 1645 portray life if the 17th Century, within fully furnished interiors.The purpose of this project is to carry out essential repairs to the fabric and remove the 1980s intrusions, which are incompatible with the chosen interpretation methods.The works comprises:1.Essential repairs to the manor house including re-roofing in diminishing course slates, some stonework repairs, lime plaster, traditional carpentry and redecoration.2.Improving access for all in the manor house, including the construction of a new rear stair tower with platform lift.3.Repair and improvements of the manor house attic spaces to allow them to be incorporated in to the tour for visitors.4.Renewal of the mechanical and electrical installations in the manor house to where possible remove unsightly wires, pipes and equipment whilst at the same time improving the conditions for visitors and the building itself. The proposed equipment will also bring with it improved environmental accreditations and lower running costs.5.Reopening and reuse of existing fireplaces and installation of new iron opening window casements. Reconstruction of the missing north chimney stack.6.Repairs and improvements to the basement.An essential aspect of the project is to phase the works so that the building can remain open to the public, other than the phased working areas, during the contract period. Public participation and engagement will be incorporated into the project and the contractor will be expected to contribute actively to this process.The contractor will also be encouraged to include training into the project, particularly in respect of traditional craft skills.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=883.