Hardwick Hall, a Grade I listed Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the late 16th century, is one of the National Trust’s most significant historic properties. Renowned for its extensive glazing, rich interiors and nationally important fabric, the building demands a carefully managed, long-term approach to conservation.
The Hall is currently undergoing a comprehensive ten-year programme of repair and conservation works, addressing long-standing deterioration caused by exposure to wind and water. The original soft sandstone fabric has been particularly vulnerable, requiring a sensitive and technically robust approach. Alongside essential conservation works, the programme also seeks to enhance the visitor experience and ensure long-term sustainability of the asset.
Stace has been appointed to deliver full Quantity Surveying and Cost Management services across this complex, live conservation project, playing a central role in ensuring the works are commercially controlled, transparent and aligned with the client’s long-term objectives.
The programme encompasses extensive external fabric repairs, including roofs, windows, parapets and perimeter stonework. Significant scaffold access and a full temporary roof enclosure have been required to facilitate safe inspection and delivery. A key element of the works includes the replacement of the existing aluminium sheet roof with a more appropriate sand-cast lead covering, improving both durability and long term maintenance. Discreet thermal performance improvements are also being incorporated where appropriate alongside designing rainwater discharge for 1 in 100 storm events.
Masonry repair works are extensive and technically demanding, including defrassing, micro-pinning, plastic repairs, repointing and selective stone replacement. These interventions are carefully balanced to maximise retention of historic fabric while ensuring the long-term stability of the structure.
Due to the initial survey constraints, largely undertaken from ground level, tendered quantities were inherently provisional. Stace established and implemented a robust commercial management strategy to address this uncertainty, including clear remeasurement protocols, defined change control procedures and proactive contingency management.
Following scaffold erection and detailed close-up inspections, Stace led the remeasurement process, reviewing and validating quantities as the true extent of works became evident. This ensured that all adjustments were properly captured, justified and agreed, maintaining full transparency between the client and contractor.
Throughout construction, Stace continues to provide comprehensive cost management services, including: monthly valuations and payment certification, Detailed cost reporting and forecasting, proactive change management and assessment of variations, ongoing commercial advice to support decision-making.
This hands-on, dynamic approach enables elements of the final account to be agreed progressively during the works, significantly reducing end-stage financial risk and minimising the potential for dispute. It also provides the client with robust, real-time budgetary control across an evolving and technically complex scope.
The project remains live on site, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. Through careful commercial stewardship and proactive cost management, Stace is supporting the successful delivery of this flagship conservation project, ensuring Hardwick Hall is safeguarded, weatherproofed and preserved for future generations.