Plymouth Royal Navy museum needs new roof to preserve building and contents

Owner Babcock International Group wants to replace the roof and refurbish other parts of the Grade II* listed Naval Heritage Centre

A museum which records the development of Devonport Dockyard and Plymouth’s pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through two world wars and other major conflicts needs an overhaul to stop water getting in.

Owner Babcock International Group wants to replace the roof and refurbish other parts of the Grade II* listed Naval Heritage Centre which was built around 1780.

Run by volunteers, the former pay office and guard house at the dockyard’s South Yard opens to the public once or twice a week for seven months of the year and by prior booking at other times.

In pre-planning application documents to Plymouth City Council, Macegreen Consulting, Babcock’s agent, said the proposed works are needed to preserve the building, which is no longer weathertight.

The work on the roof will include insulation, guttering and new skylights, replacing windows which have to be removed so the flat roof can be raised to meet regulations.

Macegreen Consulting said: “Overall, it is considered at this stage that there will be minimal visual change as a result of these works, with all materials and alterations selected with the intention to replicate the existing, whilst providing greater resistance to the harsh environment within which the building is sited.”

It said it would keep the building warmer too.

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