DBR to undertake urgent restoration at Grove Gardens Chapel
Heritage contractor appointed to preserve the future of Richmond’s historic chapel
DBR Ltd (DBR), one of the UK’s leading conservation specialists, has been appointed to carry out vital structural works at Grove Gardens Chapel in Richmond.
The Grade II listed burial chapel, constructed in 1877 to serve the expanding Victorian population of Richmond, has suffered from ongoing subsidence issues since 2016. With funding primarily from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via Richmond Council, alongside generous support from Habitats & Heritage and charitable partners, including the Aurelius Trust, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, and Richmond Council, the stabilisation project will run from March 2025.
The works will involve essential underpinning to halt further movement and repair damage to the historic structure, laying the foundations for its continued future as a vibrant space for the local community.
Commenting on the project, Adrian Attwood ACR, Executive Director and Chairman of DBR, said:
“Grove Gardens Chapel is a stunning local landmark building with an important role in the architectural and social history of Richmond. We’re excited to bring our team’s expert experience in sensitive structural repair to this project, helping restore stability to the fabric of the chapel so it can continue serving the community for years to come.”
A forgotten gem, rediscovered
Falling into disuse in the 1960s and dereliction by the 1990s, the chapel was brought back from the brink by local charity Habitats & Heritage (formerly The Environment Trust), which restored the building and reopened it for community use, including as a children’s nursery. However, structural safety concerns forced its closure in 2016.
With input from conservation architects Cymes Conservation and structural engineers Conisbee, the new scheme aims to address the subsidence at its root, preparing the site for future refurbishment and renewed community use.
Once underpinning and structural stabilisation are complete, further improvements are planned to transform the chapel into a safe, accessible, and welcoming hub for locals – hosting cultural events, charitable initiatives, and mixed-use community activities.
A commitment to craft and care
The Grove Gardens project reinforces DBR’s longstanding commitment to preserving Britain’s built heritage. With a portfolio spanning Blenheim Palace, the Palace of Westminster, and many of London’s most cherished ecclesiastical buildings, DBR brings a level of craftsmanship and care that ensures historic fabric is not only preserved but reinvigorated for the future.
As Adrian Attwood puts it:
“Projects like this demonstrate how heritage conservation can be a powerful catalyst for community regeneration. By saving a building, we help restore a sense of place and shared belonging. We’re proud to be part of Grove Gardens Chapel’s next chapter.”
Stephen Fielding, Heritage Projects Manager, concludes: “This has been a project several years in the making. We are immensely grateful to our funders and supporters, including the UK Government, Aurelius Trust, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, and Richmond Council, for making this project possible and bringing the building back into use.”
To find out more about DBR’s award-winning heritage conservation work, click here.