Securing a future for the past

Manchester based, specialist contractor, Aura Conservation Ltd has secured the 18 month contract worth £1.5million to restore the intricately detailed terracotta facades and complex roof domes of the flamboyant and beautiful, luxury retail shopping arcade, Victoria Quarter, Briggate in Leeds.

Designed by Frank Matcham in 1898-1904, it is now a grade II listed, retail and office complex consisting of three buildings each having three storeys and attics. The newest arcade on Victoria Street was covered over in 1988-90 with a modern steel framed projecting glass roof. Constructed of warm pink and buff coloured terracotta the ornamental designs reflect free Baroque style with swags, strap work and scrolls, with Dutch gables, domes and corner turrets.

Befitting of the quality of the project the hoardings have been constructed to replicate the shop fronts and fascias. The external face of the scaffolding is covered by a wrap depicting the original façade.

Works are scheduled to progress around the centre and be completed in July 2016.

To find out more about Aura and its projects visit www.auraltd.co.uk