Over the last few weeks – carpenters, electricians, stone masons, plumbers, painters and groundworkers have all been working hard in order to get ready for the opening. The guys have really bought into the importance of the project and it has been really pleasing to see the various trades working together towards a common goal. The last few months have been challenging with limited space and lots of people on site but everybody has worked well together.
It is difficult to articulate how much effort, passion and commitment has gone into the project not only from those directly involved with the design and construction but from the numerous community groups who have freely given up their time to photograph, guide and be part of funding bids to ensure its successful completion.
Indeed the level of community buy-in to the project has been tremendous with the positive feedback received incredible. All the site team and subcontractors have played a part in the work in the community and the promotion of the positive side of the construction industry which unfortunately does not often get shown – indeed the site was privileged to earn a Silver Considerate Constructors Award last year. More importantly the project has generated it own legacy – from the experience earned from the tradesmen on site, the apprentices who have started off their careers through to the volunteers & children who have enjoyed making Wattle & Daub frames.
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| Ed formally hands over the keys to the Council |
We hope that when the public get their first look at the building they will be as pleased with the project as we are.
Below are a number of photos of the finished building:
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| 'Books' guide visitors on a journey through history from the laying of the original foundations of St. Katherines in 1231 through to the current restoration |
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| The latest chapter in the Masters House Story |
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| The Historic Panelled Room now restored |
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| A view through a portal back in time - can you find it hidden in the building! |
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| Interpretation markers guide visitors on their journey |
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| Information tablets highlight little details |
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| Artistic impressions show the dress of the original inhabitants |
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| Looking West in the Main Hall - The main beam has historic writing that has now been restored |
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| Looking up! The original roof structure is now exposed |
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| The passageway with its short/wide doorway with the modern glasswalk way above |
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| The Non-Fiction Section! |
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| The Kitchen Wing - now housing the main body of the Library |
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| Windows overlook the courtyard in the newly extended section |
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| Tribute is paid to 'Ledbury's' most famous son |
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| Interactive 'Talking Heads' will tell the stories of those who used to live/work in the Masters House |
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| The Master? |
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| The glasswalk - completed with Smart Glass that turns opaque when walked on |
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| Looking down into the main hall |
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| The new community section of the Library |
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| Looking down into the Courtyard |
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| Somewhere to take a breather |
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| The new entrance looking west from the St. Katherines Hall |
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| Looking South over the complex |
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| The engraved Forest of Dean Stone depicits what life was like in the 16th Century |
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| The complete engraving (much better seen in real life!) |
