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Ashton Court Mansion - a study for the future
Release date:
Fri, 09/09/2011
A specialist study into possible options to secure the long term, sustainable future of one of Bristol’s architectural gems and premier conference and banqueting venues - Ashton Court Mansion - is to be undertaken, thanks to a £155,000 grant from English Heritage and matching funding from the city council.
The grant will enable the council to commission a thorough and comprehensive study, including: an options appraisal; conservation management plan and business plan. The study will focus on and explore options for restoration of the North West Wing, potential development opportunities, and a strong business case to support essential restoration works, conservation management and future developments of the historic, grade 1 listed mansion.
Since the city council acquired Ashton Court Mansion in 1959, works to arrest long standing deterioration, stabilise the structure, and facilitate the use of the western end of the mansion for hospitality and functions has been completed.
However most of the first floor and attic storeys, together with the northwest wing, remain in an un-restored condition.
“A study of this magnitude and importance will require specialist, conservation architects with an eye for sustainable development and conservation management opportunities,” says Councillor Simon Cook, Bristol City Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibly for capital projects. “Over the next few months we will draw up a detailed brief and go out to tender. Our aim is to be in a position to appoint a team ready to start work in the New Year. The study could take a year to complete.
“We are conscious of our responsibility as landlords and custodians of this historically important building and its importance to the city. Most of all, we want stop any further deterioration to the fabric of the building and - with our partners, the Ashton Court Mansion Working Group - we want to be able to secure its long-term future with a strong and deliverable business case.
“We will match fund this substantial grant from English Heritage with funding that the house has earned for itself from the catering contract that we have there. This gives us a regular funding stream that we ring-fence for maintenance of the house and immediate grounds - and for projects like this which will hopefully result in more of the house being used in the future."
Andrew Vines, Planning Director, English Heritage South West, added: “ Ashton Court Mansion is unique and it is fitting that a robust business plan is developed to see how potential income could be maximised to support essential restoration works. English Heritage is pleased to work with Bristol City Council and support this first step towards securing a viable future for the mansion.”
