Historic properties in Ian Williams’ hands

05 March 2013

A historic row of Georgian townhouses, once frequented by Jane Austen, is the latest project for leading building services company Ian Williams.

The Bristol-based company has won a contract from Curo, formerly Somer Housing, to sensitively refurbish buildings which make up The Paragon in Bath.

Curo is the largest social landlord in Bath and owns 26 of the properties in the street. Skilled painters and carpenters from Ian Williams will work to ensure the Grade II listed buildings remain significant for years to come.

The project will focus on maintaining external walls, metalwork and guttering. Ian Wiliams’ staff will also repair and repaint the timber frames of the properties’ sash windows.

Finally, internal staircases will be repainted using colour schemes chosen by residents which complement The Paragon’s heritage. The project will bring unique challenges as most properties have limited or no access to the rear.

Richard Beaman, Ian Williams’ business manager for the project, said: “This is a really exciting scheme and we’re delighted to be delivering it for Curo. “The Paragon is a high-profile site with a rich history and our work will help conserve these important buildings for years to come.

“We’ve had to really focus on the logistics for these buildings where there isn’t easy access. Yet this is a chance to showcase how our teams work sensitively on listed buildings.

“We’re looking forward to working with residents to safeguard the future of their home.”

The oldest property in The Paragon dates back to 1775. Jane Austen is said to have stayed with relatives who lived on The Paragon in the early 1800s but not at one of the properties owned by Curo.

Some of the homes were rebuilt after being damaged during the Second World War but remain listed as part of the group.

Work will begin this month.