Western Design Architects recently held a progress meeting on site at South Street, Dorchester, where the true scale of the fire damage to a number of Grade II Listed Buildings became strikingly clear.
Last year, WDA gained Planning and Listed Building Consent for works to No. 38 South Street, Dorchester. The proposals included a new shopfront, rebuilding the first-floor extension, refurbishing the upper floors to provide new residential accommodation and other external alterations.
However, before the application could be determined, a devastating fire swept through the neighbouring Gorge Café, No. 39. The photographs capture just how destructive the blaze was to No. 39, which was completely destroyed resulting in collapse. From the scaffolding, you can see the extent of damage after the adjoining party wall and chimneys to No. 38 gave way. The roof and some of the structure to Nos. 38, 40 and 40A were also lost, and what remains is now held safe only thanks to a carefully engineered system of temporary scaffolding and props.
WDA are now working on the recovery and redevelopment of the wider site. Despite the challenges, they are moving forward with determination. The next stage of the project focuses on clearing material from the basements and developing the design for new steelwork. This will allow them to retain and support the historic front and rear elevations, ensuring that the character of these buildings can be preserved while making them structurally sound for the future.
No. 39 which totally collapsed was the building where Thomas Hardy trained as an apprentice Architect in 1856 when he was only 16. This is a huge loss to the heritage of the town.
Heritage restoration is rarely straightforward. Often, each problem solved reveals another hidden beneath. This project is no exception, but the progress so far shows what can be achieved with expertise and perseverance. Western Design Architects are working closely with Andrew Faber of Jordan & Faber and Andrew Maynard at Aspley Associates.
Both WDA and the local residents are eager to see this important part of the town brought back to life.