Scaffolding surrounds the Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham ahead of the reinstatement of the building’s restored bell turret this Sunday. Photo: RSM Photography
A familiar skyline feature is set to return next month as work on the Guildhall reaches its final stage.
Signs outside the Guildhall previously warned that St Peter’s Hill would close for one day on Sunday, March 15 during the crane lift.
The turret was removed last year after inspections revealed significant timber decay and structural issues.
Specialists transported the ornate structure to a workshop so damaged materials could be repaired or replaced like-for-like before it returned to the building.
South Kesteven District Council said the work forms part of a wider programme to repair the Victorian clock tower roof and timber structure after water leaked into the building during adverse weather.
In 1972 the capping above the clock, installed in 1868, was replaced.
Engineers will lift the turret back into place using a crane before securing it above the Guildhall’s main entrance, restoring a distinctive feature overlooking St Peter’s Hill.
Driving rain and a howling gale made the job hazardous for steeplejacks as they fitted a new capping on top of Grantham’s Guildhall clock, 101-feet above the pavement.
The incurved pyramid was fabricated from strength and lightness with a copper covering, keeping the weight down to 250kgs.
The woodwork was by G E Nickerson, of Wharf Road, W. Pacey & Sons, of London Road, completed the copper sheeting to a Borough Council staff design.
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