With a long history at the heart of London life Portobello Road Market stands proud as one of London’s favourite markets.

Having survived 2 No World Wars it is fair to say the market has seen it all.

Unfortunately some of the building facades have not stood the test of time so well.

Minerva Building Restoration Ltd were tasked with the wholesale restoration of the frontage to nine of these properties (No’ 207-223).

The works included a complete independent scaffold be erected from street level to the full height of the properties. A programme of brick / masonry cleaning was undertaken using a variety of methods including Nebulous water clean, Torc, Doff steam cleaning alongside a sympathetic chemical clean to remove age old paint coatings (note the 2 No’ painted properties in the middle of the parade).

Once cleaned we were able to ascertain the colour of the original mortars and bricks. Defective areas of both were repaired using matching products.

It was decided that all window dressings, corbels, cills, cornicing and tiling would be manufactured offsite then installed to bring the elevations back to former glory.

35 No rotten sash windows were replaced using new hardwood double glazed units in the original style following a detailed and thorough scheduling process it was noted that two of the brick gables were leaning dangerously ‘out of plumb’. These were dismantled then rebuilt back to line and level.

Alongside the clients Structural Engineers a scheme was adopted to replace the two large slated roofs behind the gables. The instruction to completely remove / replace the slated roof areas meant that design and build scheme for 2 No’ scaffolded temporary roofs was instigated to provide protection to the tenanted flats below.

The timber ridge beams had begun to collapse and spreading has occurred to the slated pitches.

The Structural Engineer designed a steel support frame which Minerva installed to both roof areas before fixing new timber rafters / upgraded insulation and slates. Liquid roofing systems were installed to the 4 No large parapet gutters followed by the supply and fixing of lead flashings and chutes.

Internally the top floor flats affected by the roofing works were refurbished with new plasterboard ceilings and walls. The electrics were wired to accept new down lighting fittings.

To complete the works to the internal refurbishment flats were redecorated.

A hugely satisfying project for Minerva Building Restoration Ltd to have been involved with a fantastic “before and after” we think you will agree.

Contract Value – £600,000.00