Protecting a Landmark – Bell’s Renewal of Brock House, Plymouth.
Brock House is one of the Barbican’s most recognisable buildings, a landmark where residents, visitors and local businesses cross paths every day. Located in the heart of Plymouth’s historic quarter, the building plays a key role in the life of the area. When its 1,500m² slate roof reached the end of its service life, Bell was appointed to deliver a refurbishment that would do more than repair the structure; it would protect and futureproof a heritage asset.
What began as a roof replacement quickly evolved into a major £1.7m refurbishment project. Alongside restoring the main slate roof, the team renewed vertical slate cladding, upgraded flat roofing systems, improved insulation and enhanced overall energy performance. New snow guards and lightning protection systems were also installed. Throughout the scheme, the building’s distinctive character was carefully preserved, with decorative leadwork and traditional detailing restored rather than replaced to maintain its historic integrity.
Delivering a construction project in such a busy public location required precision, planning and responsibility. To ensure the safety of residents, businesses and passers-by, and to maintain progress despite unpredictable coastal weather, Bell installed a fully encapsulated temporary roof. Designed and managed by in-house specialists, this solution enabled efficient delivery while protecting both the workforce and the surrounding community.
The Barbican’s narrow streets and constant footfall added further complexity. Materials logistics were managed off-site, waste was removed daily, and deliveries were carefully scheduled to minimise disruption. At the same time, sensitive internal services, including the communal gas flue, required detailed coordination to ensure residents maintained access to essential utilities throughout the works. Every aspect of the programme was delivered with people in mind.
Innovation played a key role in improving efficiency and accuracy. Drone surveys provided a detailed understanding of the building before scaffolding was installed, supporting precise planning and capturing real-time progress updates for the client. This modern approach brought clarity and control to a complex heritage refurbishment project.
Health and safety remained central throughout. Steep roof pitches and confined working areas were managed using specialist access systems, advanced scaffold protection and rigorous on-site controls. Environmental considerations were also prioritised, with materials reused where possible and travel impacts reduced through careful project coordination.
The project also delivered valuable community engagement. Students from ACE School Plymouth visited the site to experience a live refurbishment project first-hand, gaining insight into temporary roofing systems, slate roofing craftsmanship and traditional leadwork techniques. The visits highlighted career opportunities within the construction and built environment sectors.
By the time the final slate was laid, Brock House had been given a renewed future. This Barbican refurbishment project showcases Bell’s expertise in heritage building restoration, combining careful planning, collaborative delivery and respect for historic architecture. Today, Brock House is safer, more energy efficient and ready for decades to come, a revitalised Plymouth landmark delivered with pride and purpose.
