Abingdon architects and town planners West Waddy ADP has been given the go-ahead to redevelop and restore the historic buildings at Ruislip Manor Farm, adjoining the remains of a motte and bailey castle which is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument, and set within the Ruislip Conservation Area in Hillingdon.

The 22-acre site at Manor Farm is one of the most ancient and important historic building groups in Hillingdon and has evolved through nine centuries of agricultural and social change and is at the cultural heart of Ruislip.  Manor Farm is now a vibrant facility incorporating a thriving library, performance hall and community services.  The works will preserve and disseminate the heritage value of the site, which will both increase its role as a local attraction and maximize its use to the community.

West Waddy ADP is the leading consultant behind the scheme.  The practice was originally appointed in 2004 to prepare design proposals and secure planning permission and scheduled ancient monument consent, before being successfully reappointed as architects to prepare production drawings and provide full architectural services to take the project forward for implementation on site.  The practice is working closely with English Heritage, the Local Authority conservation officers and local stakeholders.

The works, which are due to start on site in autumn and be completed in October 2007, have been made possible through a major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which West Waddy ADP was instrumental in obtaining on behalf of the Local Authority.  Works will involve the restoration of the Great Barn which is grade II* listed and dates from c1300, the grade II* listed Manor Farm House which will form a visitors centre, and the conversion of a series of further listed barns at the site.

The Great Barn is of particular significance as it is thought to be the oldest timber-framed building in Greater London.  This will be restored to form a multi-purpose hall for communal activities ranging from exhibitions to performances.  The adjoining barns will form workshops for local artists and craftspeople, whose activities will complement the wider heritage activities across the site.

Comments partner, Stephen Simkins:  “Our combination of town planning and architectural skills, and experience of working with historic buildings, have been key to meeting the aims of the London Borough of Hillingdon at Manor Farm.  We are delighted to be retained to manage the works on site and the development of these buildings as a heritage attraction.”