Repair funding for at-risk 18th Century building

The Treadgolds building dates back to the Queen Anne period.

Efforts to restore an 18th Century building in Portsmouth have received a funding boost.

The John Pounds Community Trust has been awarded £485,200 towards the restoration of the Treadgolds building in Bishop Street, Portsea.

Built using surplus dockyard materials, Treadgolds has seen life as houses, an ironmonger, shop and warehouse but needs urgent repair work to its roof.

It is one of 37 buildings and sites across England set to be saved for future generations through £15m in repair grants from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

There are plans to restore the whole Treadgolds building to become a community hub

The John Pounds Community Trust has already successfully converted part of the building and courtyard for community use.

The charity said grant funding would cover the replacement of defective roof coverings and lead gutters, repairs to rooflights and chimneys, as well as the installation of natural insulation to support climate resilience.

The reroofing will enable a wider renovation scheme to progress. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, it is aimed at securing the sustainable reuse of the entire Treadgolds building as a community creative hub.

Louise Brennan, director of regions at Historic England, said the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund could help "breathe new life into neglected historic buildings".

"This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation's most disadvantaged areas.," she added.