The roof, external doors and windows of the Grade II listed building, which was badly damaged by fire nearly three years ago, are set to be repaired or replaced. The work will be the first step towards bringing the building back into use.

A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “We’re really pleased that work to start to repair Henderson Old Hall is now able to begin.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the building is permanently weatherproof and watertight, while carrying out the repairs with the care and sensitivity that a historic building like Henderson Hall requires.”

Work on the building in the High Heaton area of Newcastle will start on Tuesday 5^th May. 

Repairing the hall

The University Estates Team has worked closely with the University’s insurers, as well as the local authority and consultants, to make sure the site is safe to access and to assess the extent of the fire damage.

Now that work is complete, the team have appointed Robertson as main contractor to carry out the repairs which are likely to take 12-18 months to complete. 

The work externally includes the construction of a replacement roof structure, a mixture of new and refurbished windows and doors, the making good, and where necessary rebuilding, of external façade and structural repairs. Internally, internal finishes which were damaged by water will be stripped out and internal electrical works will be carried out including new internal lighting.

Discussions about the future use of the building are continuing.

You can look back at Henderson Old Hall's history as a student residence here.