Rich layers of social heritage uncovered in first-ever refurbishment of Hampstead tenement block
A fascinating glimpse of social history is being uncovered as a result of our work bringing two Grade 2 listed Victorian tenement blocks up to Decent Homes Standard.
The two blocks, built in 1858 and 1870, are known as New Court and are situated in the conservation area of Hampstead Village, close to some of the most expensive properties in the UK. Yet few people know they are there, being tucked away in small back alleyways off the High Street. The impressive tenement-style buildings have never been fully refurbished before and the current works are uncovering Victorian idiosyncrasies rarely seen these days, such as single room kitchen/bathrooms (with kitchen worktops over baths, and toilets next to food preparation areas). These, of course, are being brought up to modern standards of hygiene and practicality. We are working closely with heritage and conservation officers to ensure that as few as possible of the original features are lost. Metal balustrades, York stone staircases and open fireplaces are being retained and refurbished and secondary double glazing is being fitted to refurbished wooden sash windows rather than putting in modern UPVC replacements. However, the requirements of the Government’s Decent Homes Standard and of modern living mean that some features clearly have to be modified. The blocks are totally landlocked, creating an amusing twist to working on a historical building - the team is unable to get modern vehicles onto the site, so all building materials have to be transported to and from it by wheelbarrow. In yet another interesting facet of New Court’s history, previous residents include Sid Vicious, Johnny Rotten and Boy George. One wonders what some of their moneyed neighbours made of the anarchistic young musicians! |
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