The vital work to restore Ryde’s Appley Tower to its former glory is to begin in November.
Stoneham Construction has been appointed to undertake the renovations, working alongside Architect Sean Macmillan of Elmstone Architectural. For a period, there will be restricted access to the area surrounding the Tower but the work will also create an opportunity for students to visit the Tower to learn about the specialist skills involved in heritage building restoration.
The iconic landmark in Ryde has been guaranteed a safe future thanks to a Heritage Lottery grant. Natural Enterprise, working in partnership with Ryde Town and Isle of Wight Councils, secured the funding to ensure the much-loved building may be enjoyed by both the local community and holidaymakers for years to come.
Natural Enterprise Chairman, Brian Friend said:
“We are delighted to be moving to the next stage to see the tower reopen in 2024. We are also pleased to be able to provide students with the chance to benefit from the work being undertaken.”
David Harris, Director, Stoneham Construction Ltd added:
“We are delighted to bring the work of our skilled craftsmen to this restoration project and assist in the delivery of this iconic landmark on Ryde seafront for future generations to enjoy.”
It is anticipated that the restorations will be complete by next June, when Monkton Arts will be opening an art gallery and offer free access to the top of the Tower. There will also be three exhibitions about the Tower’s history, changes to the views from the Tower and how it features in local tourism.
For more information about the project or to book a guided visit or presentation for your community group contact [email protected].
Graphic produced with software from the 1990s complete with dumb typo. Doesn’t inspire confidence.
If Stoneham’s are involved, you can guarantee it’ll be a major cock-up then . . .
So get rid of the flower beds and replace with paving slabs, lovely!!
Nice part of Ryde History, but I hope council tax money isn’t involved in this?
Stoneham heritage builders, pull the other one. Look at some of the awful repairs carried out on St Thomas’s church Newport.