Plymouth Guildhall is now gleaming after work to clean and repair decades of pollution and damage from sea air(Image: Plymouth City Council)

Plymouth Guildhall's stunning facelift revealed as scaffolding comes down

The iconic Grade II listed building is now gleaming after work to clean and repair decades of pollution

by · PlymouthLive

Plymouth Guildhall's "magnificient" facelift has been revealed after scaffolding was taken down. The front of the iconic Grade II listed building is now gleaming after work to clean and repair decades of pollution and damage from sea air.

It has been hidden since March to enable the work to be carried out by Westcountry Stonemasons, who were commissioned by Plymouth City Council. The project saw old materials such as lime and mortar removed from between stone work which has perished over time.

Materials had to be tested to ensure the replacement render would survive more decades of wind and weather and sea air. The wave-shaped awning over the front doors has also been cleaned and waterproofed.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, co-operative development and communities, said: "The front of the Guildhall is looking magnificent once again. This is a hugely important building for Plymouth and for its residents and we need to look after it."

The restoration work began at the end of last year, with the focus initially on the northern Royal Parade-facing side and the western tower, The work involved repairs to the stonework on all sides of the building. Cement used in earlier repairs has been replaced with a sympathetic lime render.

The Guildhall, including Great Hall, Assize Courts and City Treasury, was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz. The buildings survived – by one single council vote in 1951 – the threat of demolition.

It became a focus of Plymouth's rebuilding and was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt. As well as a makeover to the outside of the building, a huge internal transformation is planned to update facilities to attract more people to events, gigs and concerts at the venue.

Scroll down to see more photos of its transformation.

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The wave-shaped awning over the front doors has also been cleaned and waterproofed(Image: Plymouth City Council)
The project saw old materials such as lime and mortar removed from between stone work which has perished over time
Plymouth Guildhall has been given a facelift to clean up and repair decades of pollution and damage from sea air(Image: Plymouth City Council)
Plymouth Guildhall after its transformation(Image: Plymouth City Council)
As well as a makeover to the outside of the building, a huge internal transformation is being planned to update facilities to attract more people to events at Plymouth Guildhall(Image: Plymouth City Council)