Stone façades at two prominent buildings within Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site have undergone extensive conservation and repair following the completion of a major heritage project led by Classic Masonry.

Appointed by main contractor Vest Construction, the specialist masonry firm carried out façade repairs to Cosin’s Almshouses and the neighbouring Pemberton Building at Palace Green, addressing significant weathering, structural cracking and long-term water ingress while preserving the historic character of the Grade II listed buildings.

Constructed in 1666 by Bishop John Cosin on the site of a former 15th-century grammar school, Cosin’s Almshouses were originally created to house clergy widows. The adjoining Pemberton Building, designed by W.D. Caroe and completed in 1929, is home to the Durham Union Society, one of the world’s oldest student debating societies. 

Commissioned by Durham University as part of its Non-Residential Refurbishment Programme, the £1.8million scheme included stone repairs, sensitive repointing of eroded masonry and the replacement of three carved entrance plaques. Archaeological monitoring undertaken during the works revealed 17th-century foundations and a probable medieval culvert, underlining the complexity of working within a historically layered site.

Gavin Vest, managing director at Vest Construction, said: “We were delighted to have been appointed again by Durham University to deliver such a significant heritage project. Cosin’s Almshouses and the Pemberton Building are not only central to the city’s historic skyline but also hold deep cultural and academic importance.” He added that Classic Masonry’s conservation expertise was “invaluable to ensuring the façades are returned to their former glory, preserving their architectural detail for generations to come.”

The masonry package involved careful repair of deteriorated stonework alongside targeted replacement where decay had become irreversible. Classic Masonry managing director Mike Moody highlighted that the entrance plaques required particularly specialist intervention. “The three existing entrance plaques were in such a poor state of disrepair that… replacement was required for various sections of these historic features,” he said. “Classic Masonry undertook extensive traditional hand carving at our workshops… showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and talents of our carver masons.”

Sustainability formed part of the conservation strategy, with sound roof flags salvaged and reused to minimise material waste. What’s more, close collaboration between conservation officers, consultants and construction teams ensured minimal disruption to university operations while maintaining strict heritage requirements.

The project marks the fourth Palace Green scheme delivered by Vest Construction over seven years, with Classic Masonry engaged on two projects requiring specialist stonemasonry expertise. It’s proving to be a busy period for Classic Masonry, having carried out extensive restoration of churches in the North East, as well as helping Sunderland City Council to landscape Riverside Park.