Project update: Holy Ghost and Mary Immaculate, Olton (Olton Friary) Repairs Project

Phase 1 of Olton Friary repairs project is now complete. Oliver Architecture were employed to carry out repairs to Olton Friary in the spring of 2023 following the identification of water ingress by the parish.

Completion photo showing works to the Lady Chapel and Chancel

Following our appointment, the first task was to undertake a drone roof survey taking high-level photography to identify areas in need of repair. The drone survey identified that the roof was in a worse condition than initially thought and that detailing was poor.

Before photo prior to works starting

​It also highlighted that the lead valleys and gutters to the chancel were also in need of repair having been patch repaired using bitumen previously. These repairs had run their course and required full lead replacement. This was, in part, due to short-life repairs that had previously been carried out.

The drone enabled Oliver Architecture to create a 3d model. The model then allowed us to take two dimensional ortho-photographs for elevations and roof plans - this is a way of achieving scaled drawings without commissioning an expensive survey - it also meant we were able to save our client money because we could carry out this technique in-house.

The scheme of repairs is split into two phases.

Phase 1 works started in April 2023 and finished in July 2023. This phase included works to the Lady Chapel and Chancel and concentrated specifically on the rainwater goods.

Phase 2 works have not yet started on site. This phase will cover works to the Nave, Narthex, Organ Chamber, and the southern end of the Chancel. Phase 2 will also cover the remaining rainwater goods. Olton Friary is currently looking to start a fundraising campaign which will fund phase two repairs, so stay tuned for more updates.