Peter Cox has been drafted in to carry out essential maintenance work for homes in Grade II Listed Georgian terraces in Northumberland Square, North Shields
One of Tyneside’s most charismatic Georgian terraces in Northumberland Square is currently undergoing essential maintenance work which will eventually lead to the creation of 28 luxurious homes.
Property experts at Peter Cox are working alongside construction company Compass Developments NE Ltd to develop the Georgian terraces into flats complete with courtyards, parking and gardens.
The row of Georgian terraces was built between 1810 and 1816, and has a number of significant architectural features including in one room, a cornice design featuring a pack of hounds chasing a fox, which Heritage England described as “one of a kind.” All work undertaken will ensure that the buildings maintain their heritage, with the original façade remaining intact.
Following an extensive inspection of the Georgian terrace, Peter Cox’s surveyor noted that rain penetration had caused damage to internal walls and plasterwork, with repairs needed to the roofs, guttering, downpipes and windows.
The surveyor also found evidence of rising damp on the ground floor, along with numerous timber issues were identified throughout the premises. There was evidence of a Common Furniture Beetle infestation in the joists and floorings of the terraced houses, while decay by Cellar Fungus (Coniophora puteuna) was also apparent.
Throughout the buildings, signs of wet rot were also found in the window linings, windows, lintels, joists and floorings, which posed a threat to the structure of the properties. Dry rot (Surpula lacrymans) was also evident from the basement up to eaves roof level within one area.
Peter Cox installed a new damp proof course using a silicone based cream, which lines the capillaries of the structure creating a barrier to prevent further rising damp, while allowing the walls to dry out. This work was carried out from the inside of the property to protect the ashlar stone facade.
Once the new roofs have been put on to prevent further rainwater ingress, Peter Cox will be completing additional dry rot treatments to prevent further spread and attack within the area affected.
Chris Hansom, senior surveyor Northumberland & Durham Region at Peter Cox, said: “These buildings have more than 200 years of history and it’s important that they are preserved for the local community.
“The Northumberland Square renovation is an exciting project that will bring a lot to the area, and Peter Cox is proud to be part of this work. Our team identified the issues present and is delivering long term solutions that will hopefully ensure property problems like damp and dry rot do not become a problem for future residents.”
