New Balustrade installed on Delapre Abbey Conservation Project

New balustrade has been manufactured and installed as part of the restoration works that sees the Grade II listed building Delapre Abbey undergo major redevelopment.

Built in the year 1145, Delapre Abbey is located just one mile away from Northampton Town Centre. It was originally established as a Cluniac Nunnery of St Mary De la Pre and was founded by Simon de St Liz, The Earl of Northampton at the time.

In its 900-year existence, Delapre Abbey is renowned for its rich history. In 1460 King Henry VI was infamously taken prisoner at the Battle of Northampton, where he spent a night in the Abbey prior to his release.

In more recent times the building had fallen into a sorry state of repair, but thanks to £3.5m from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and a top up from Northampton Borough Council, a £6.3m program of major repairs and restoration works can now take place.

Alpha Rail was contracted to manufacture and install 9 metres of 1100 high Balustrade to stairwells. The metalwork was supplied galvanized and powder coated RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey to ensure it matched in with the surroundings.

Commenting on behalf of Alpha Rail, Sales Director, Phil Ball said “Delapre Abbey is one of England’s oldest Heritage Buildings and it was a pleasure to be part of project that is steeped in such tradition. Working on Heritage sites such as this proves that we are trusted to provide bespoke metalwork that is of the very highest standard.”

Working in connection with Northampton Borough Council and The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, the restoration works will help the Abbey to open its doors to the public for the first time in its long history, making it a venue capable of hosting both national and international visitor events.

To view more examples of work we have completed on other Heritage locations across the UK please visit our Projects Library.