THE REPAIR and renovation of the structures of three 19th Century summerhouses in Coventry is complete.
The Grade II listed summerhouses are within the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden at Stoney Road Allotments in Cheylesmore.
Historic England provided a £250k grant for the restoration of the buildings. Railway Heritage Trust also made a contribution, while support has also been provided by Network Rail.
Coun Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for heritage at Coventry City Council, said: “I’ve already visited the summerhouses and saw the careful repair work. The buildings were in a poor state and that’s why it is so satisfying to see the work on the restoration of the building structures completed.
“We really appreciate the support of Historic England, Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail. I’m also grateful for the work of council colleagues too.
“It is a fascinating project, and it highlights the importance of the wide range of heritage buildings in the city.”
The Summerhouses had fallen into disrepair and are the last remaining plots of the Park Gardens, established 200 years ago.
Stoney Road is one of only four remaining detached Victorian town gardens that are listed on Historic England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
The site is still used as allotments and sub-tenanted by the Stoney Road Gardens Association (SRGA).
Deborah Williams, Historic England Regional Director (Midlands) said: “It is amazing to see the original features of the gardens restored.
“The Heritage at Risk funding has meant that three of the Grade II listed summerhouses have received complete repairs to the building structures, including replacement roofs, new windows and doors, reconstruction of walls with lime mortar and original bricks, timber frame restoration, and other internal repairs.
“And it’s brilliant that it’s all been achieved using traditional methods and materials, restoring the summerhouses to their original form.”
The public will be able to visit the Summerhouses.
