C O N T E X T 1 1 5 : J U LY 2 0 1 0 43 role as an arts centre. In particular the open plan of the central dining hall was subdivided into smaller spaces and its early character obscured. During a preliminary works contract the slender cast-iron columns and exposed timber beams were rediscovered embedded within clinker block walls and classical plaster casings. These 20th century features were of limited intrinsic interest. In consultation with English Heritage and Liverpool’s conservation officer, it was decided that revealing the earlier fabric would be a desirable objective, especially as photographic evidence had been found, strengthening the argument for reinstatement. The Bluecoat project was developed through close collaboration between a multi-disciplinary consultant team. This included design architects BIQ (Netherlands), conservation architects Donald Insall Associates, and contract administration architects Austin Smith Lord. During the various stages of the scheme development and through construction, the conservation management plan was reviewed and refined as in response to the detailed construction, as revealed by opening-up and to address the demands of future users. The recently completed scheme includes a new wing providing performance and gallery space. Major internal alterations feature a new reception hub, restaurant and accessible vertical circulation cores. The architecture of the new south east wing is in a contemporary but restrained style. Designed by the Dutch architects BIQ, it respects and reflects the heights and massing of the older structures, and reestablishes the spatial enclosure of the rear courtyard (lost in the 19th century). Internally, the open space of the early 19th century dining hall has been reinstated, and its early 19th century cast-iron columns and timber floor structure revealed. Now it functions as the main entrance hub for the expanded arts centre, with reception, cafe and signposting the hub. It is the key reference space for the whole building complex. The north-west wing, retaining much of its original 18th century fabric and internal layout, has been conserved with minimal intervention. Externally, the main conservation challenges involved the repair of brickwork and stone dressings, slate roofs and linings to parapet gutters. Early documents recorded that one of the first steps in the original construction had been to build a brick kiln on the site. The preservation of the historic brickwork, which still makes up virtually all of the front courtyard facades, was an obvious priority. Its long-term integrity was threatened by previous repointing with hard cement mortar. This was carefully removed and replaced with a lime mix to encourage outward moisture movement. Original stone dressings and architectural features were in soft sandstone and much decayed. Impervious gloss paint was removed (using poultice methods for elaborate areas). The priority was to arrest further decay and retain as much of the original fabric as possible. Only the minimum necessary amount of stone was cut back to achieve a sound base for applying a lime-based repair mix with which to build up profiles. Repairs were reinforced with stainless steel pins and the stone protected by a breathable paint finish. Access to the site presented major difficulties due to the adjoining Liverpool 1 regeneration scheme being undertaken concurrently. In order to construct the Bluecoat’s new south-east wing, part of the single-storey 19th century buildings enclosing the fourth (outer) side of the rear courtyard had to be removed. This was viewed with some concern by English Heritage and the local planning authority. Accordingly, a method statement was agreed with all parties to ensure that the dismantling was undertaken with great care. Materials were tagged, stored on site and subsequently rebuilt as found. During the post-war period the rear courtyard had been landscaped with trees, shrubs and seating to become a much-appreciated green oasis within Liverpool’s busy city centre. Although extremely problematic on such a constrained site, the principal trees where retained. The hard landscape was renewed in a contemporary style. The space has resumed its previous role, and also caters for outdoor exhibits and performance. The contract was completed at a cost of £10.1 million. Grant funding was provided by a wide range of agencies, including the Arts Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Development Fund (Objective 1) and the North West Development Agency.The project has received a number of regional and national awards. It was acclaimed locally by the Liverpool Architectural Society as the best cultural building and overall winner for the city’s Capital of Culture year of 2008. The project provides an example of the conservation management plan process in action. The Liverpool Bluecoat is once again playing its part in the life of the city’s thriving cultural industries. Rob Fraser is a consultant with Donald Insall Associates. The Bluecoat’s status as a Grade I listed building and its inclusion within Liverpool’s world heritage site testify to its architectural and historic significance.
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