1. 1. Conservation

This involves careful management of changes to historic places to retain their heritage value. It includes maintaining the fabric of the building in its existing state, preventing deterioration, and ensuring any interventions are sympathetic to the original materials and techniques.

1. 1. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 

England has a formal system for protecting its heritage assets through listing (grading) buildings of particular historical or architectural interest and designating conservation areas of special character or historic interest. Any proposed changes to listed buildings or buildings within conservation areas are subject to strict planning controls and require consent from the local planning authority.

1. 1. Historic England

This is a public body that looks after England’s historic environment. Historic England provides guidance, grants, and services to support the preservation of historic properties and places.

1. 1. Restoration and Rehabilitation

Restoration work aims to return a historic building to a known earlier state, often based on documentary evidence, while rehabilitation involves adapting old buildings for new uses without causing substantial harm to their heritage value.

1. 1. Building Preservation Trusts

These are charitable organisations in England that focus on rescuing and restoring buildings at risk. They play a key role in securing the future of many historic buildings by finding viable new uses for them and undertaking or facilitating conservation work.

Preservation in England is guided by principles that emphasise respect for historic fabric, minimal intervention, and reversibility of changes, ensuring that the historic and cultural narratives of buildings and places are maintained for educational, aesthetic, and cultural enrichment.

MGM Construction: Leading the Way in Preservation Services across the North East

MGM Construction’s dedication to preservation extends across a diverse clientele, including Councils, Diocese, and private sector clients, showcasing their versatility and commitment to maintaining historical and architectural integrity. The preservation process at MGM begins with a thorough inspection by one of their in-house surveyors, who assesses the structure’s condition and provides a detailed report outlining necessary remedial actions. This meticulous approach ensures that every aspect of the preservation work, from Damp Proofing and Timber Preservation to Repointing, is tailored to address the unique challenges of each project. MGM Construction prides itself on executing these works with minimal disruption to the landlords and tenants, demonstrating their respect not only for the buildings they work on but also for the people who live and work in them. Their expertise in handling such specialised tasks with care and precision underscores MGM’s role as a key player in the field of construction preservation, safeguarding historical structures for future generations while keeping them functional and safe for current users.