Halton Branch Library is a well used and much loved community facility located on Penny Stone Road, Halton, Lancaster. The building, originally timber framed with weatherboard cladding and single glazed windows, required essential refurbishment to improve energy efficiency, ensure structural integrity, and enhance its overall appearance.

Lancashire County Council appointed our team to deliver a comprehensive programme of roofing, cladding and window replacement works, while safeguarding the building’s heritage character and maintaining safe community access throughout the project.

Project Duration

· Start on Site: 27 January 2025

· Completion: 7 March 2025

· Total Duration: 6 weeks Halton Library

Project Description / Scope of the Works

· Replacement of the existing flat roof with a Bauder insulated warm roof system, including removal of redundant roof tank housing.

· Full replacement of timber framed single glazed casement windows with aluminium double glazed units, improving thermal performance and reducing maintenance requirements.

· Repair and redecoration of stained timber weatherboard cladding, including treatment of defective timber supports.

· Installation of new Trespa® Meteon® fascia panelling and upgraded insulation to improve weather protection.

· Removal of suspended ceiling insulation quilt as part of internal works.

· Full protection of library interiors during works, including wrapping shelves and books, ensuring zero dust migration.

· Compliance with CDM 2015, building regulations, and Lancashire County Council H&S requirements.

Key Improvements Included:

· Roof Upgrade: Bauder warm roof overlay with 20-year guarantee.

· Windows: Modern aluminium double glazing with U-value 1.6W/(m².K).

· Cladding: Refurbished and redecorated weatherboard timber.

· Fascia: Trespa panelling for improved weatherproofing and aesthetics.

· Energy Efficiency: Enhanced insulation and airtightness.

· Safety & Compliance: Upgraded site security, safe access, and clean site management.

Challenges

· Working within a live operational environment the library remained partially occupied during certain stages.

· Protecting internal areas and collections while undertaking noisy and dusty works.

· Tight programme window aligned with local authority budgetary year end.

· Structural timber behind cladding required intrusive inspections and remedial work not visible at tender stage.

· Strict delivery schedule due to proximity to a primary school restricting peak time deliveries

Solutions

· Careful phasing and sequencing of works to minimise disruption, supported by regular coordination meetings with library management.

· Protective sheeting and hoarding used internally to safeguard public spaces and collections.

· Out of hours working planned strategically to meet programme milestones.

· Flexible procurement and provisional sum allocation to address unexpected timber remediation and minor asbestos considerations.

· Robust site logistics plan to avoid school peak time congestion and maintain health & safety standards Outcomes

· Enhanced energy efficiency contributes to reduced operational costs for Lancashire County Council.

· A more comfortable and weather tight environment for library users.

· Improved external appearance strengthens community pride in a key local facility.

· Extended lifespan of the building fabric through high performance materials.

· Safe delivery ensured the library’s service continuity and avoided relocation costs.

· Supports Lancashire County Council’s Net Zero and asset management objectives.

As a Company

This project demonstrates our capability in delivering sensitive refurbishments in operational community spaces, combining technical roofing and façade expertise with strong stakeholder engagement. We are proud to support local authorities and housing associations in modernising and preserving public assets through high-quality, sustainable construction solutions.

Total Cost

£ 300,000.00