Kendal's historic building gets new roof

A twelve-week project to fix the roof an historic building in Kendal has begun.

The roof of the Grade 1 listed Castle Dairy, on Wildman Street, is owned by South Lakeland District Council but is currently operated as a restaurant and art gallery by Kendal College.

Parts of the building date back to the 14th century, and those involved say it will retain its character despite the refurbishments.

Contractors managed by NPS will carry out the re-roofing work for the council.

This decision was made after archaeologists claimed local slate would be more likely to be in keeping with the original roofing material used on the Castle Dairy.

It is also believed that the local slate will have a longer life-span than the current roof, which was only installed in the 1960s.

During the work, archaeologists will take the opportunity to carry out dating on the two-storey wings to try to more accurately work out when they were added to the original single storey building.

The restaurant and art gallery will be open as usual whilst the works are taking place.