Howarth Litchfield Newsletter March 2026 - Flipbook - Page 6
The Cosin’s Almshouses
and Pemberton Building
Fellows Garden
Durham University
HL are exceedingly proud to have acted as the
lead consultant, providing design, project
management, conservation architecture and
health and safety services for Durham University
in completing the conservation project of their
Fellows’ Garden in the heart of Durham Castle.
HL worked with the University, Historic Property
Restoration, Adelphie Consulting, Colour
Landscape Architects, RNJ, and TGA, to create an
outdoor performance space with a capacity of
100 people.
An incredible first opening event, showcasing the
transformation, was held in October las year. The
project is currently awaiting the finishing touches
and is estimated to open to the general public
shortly.
A recent conservation project has successfully
concluded, focusing on the repair and restoration
of the Grade II-listed Cosin’s Almshouses and the
Pemberton Building, both situated within the
Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site at Palace
Green. The project began with comprehensive
condition surveys that identified several critical
issues, including deteriorating historic roof
coverings, water ingress, and safety concerns
arising from long-term neglect.
To address these matters, we developed detailed
roof restoration plans based on a conservationled approach that prioritises minimal
intervention. This methodology emphasises the
use of traditional materials and improved
detailing techniques. As a result, the scheme not
only enhances the buildings' weatherproofing and
overall resilience but also preserves their
architectural character and historical
significance, ensuring they continue to serve
educational and civic purposes effectively.
