Project Data

Following a significant kitchen fire in March 2023, the Former Lakes County Council Chambers — better known as the Speight’s Ale House — underwent an extensive heritage-led restoration. As lead heritage advisors, Origin Heritage guided both the reinstatement of historical architectural features and the integration of seismic strengthening measures.

 Constructed in solid local schist, the building required precise material assessment and conservation planning. Within days of the fire, Origin undertook a comprehensive inventory of surviving heritage fabric and traditional detailing to determine what could be sensitively salvaged and what required historically accurate reproduction.

In collaboration with DGSE Architects and contractors Naylor Love, Origin specified and coordinated specialist trades — including traditional stonemasonry and solid plastering — to ensure the building’s original character and construction integrity were retained. The result is a restored landmark that has reopened to the community, proudly retaining its architectural heritage (fire damage and all!) as part of its evolving story.

More Projects