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Contractor chosen for listed library roof repair

Martin Heath
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Pete Cooper/BBC Single-storey red brick and stone building - with small windows framed by stone and a stone entrance area. There is a coat of arms over the door and the words "public library" are just visible. There are paving slabs and trees in front of the building.Pete Cooper/BBC
The roof of the Grade II listed building is made from Northamptonshire's Collyweston slate

A contractor has been chosen to replace the roof on a Grade II listed library building.

The roof of Kettering library and art gallery in Northamptonshire was damaged during heavy rain in 2023.

It will be restored by using Collyweston slate from the county by local firm Messenger.

North Northamptonshire Council earmarked almost £7m for the repairs.

Pete Cooper/BBC A single-storey red brick building with a large window revealing storage shelves within. A blue sign outside says "Cornerstone" and shows a map of the site. There are railings behind the sign.Pete Cooper/BBC
A modern wing has been added to the site which is now known as Cornerstone

Kettering Library opened in 1904 and expanded in 1913 when an art gallery complex was built on the side of the main building.

A modern extension has been added and the whole complex, including the Manor House Museum, is now known as Cornerstone.

The roof of the original building is made of Collyweston slate, a unique limestone which is much heavier than traditional slate and is quarried near the Northamptonshire village from which it takes its name.

After the roof was damaged in 2023, the council made the decision to replace it with the same material.

The gallery and museum have remained closed since, and the library has been relocated to the new wing.

Maura Bright/Futurefotos Furniture and fittings in storage including shelves, noticeboards, yellow buckets and books. The floor is clearly damp.Maura Bright/Futurefotos
Heavy rain got into the building through the roof and damaged furniture

Messenger is based in Collyweston and has laid its local slate on several buildings, including Royal Hospital Chelsea and Leicester Cathedral.

It will use reclaimed Collyweston slate where possible.

Paul Gibbons, the managing director of Messenger, said: "The careful stripping and re-slating of Collyweston stone roofs is a delicate process, and we are honoured to contribute to the preservation of such an iconic building.

"This project will further provide a great opportunity for younger members of our team to develop and learn from our more experienced stone slaters."

A man in yellow hi-vis and a green hard hat is operating a machine which is cutting stone. It has a long arm which is working the stone.
Collyweston slate is a rare stone quarried in Collyweston, Northamptonshire

Helen Howell, the council's executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "We'll now be working with Messenger on the details and the final timeline for the project to ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible and within the budget that has been allocated.

"All parties are working towards opening Cornerstone in full as soon as is physically possible."

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