Ambitious Plans Unveiled for Ashton Court Mansion Restoration

The future of the historic Ashton Court mansion in Bristol is poised for change as plans for a major refurbishment emerge. Currently, the largely derelict Grade-I listed building, which has been under the ownership of Bristol City Council since 1959, may soon be managed by the Bristol Historic Buildings Trust. This trust intends to implement an extensive repair program aimed at preserving the mansion for future generations.

Located within the expansive Ashton Court grounds to the west of Bristol, the mansion has been a focal point for community events. However, its deteriorating condition has raised alarms. Historic England has flagged concerns regarding the building’s risk status, prompting the council to consider granting a long lease to the trust for necessary repairs. A key discussion regarding this proposal is scheduled for October 13, 2023, when the strategy and resources policy committee will evaluate the trust’s plans.

According to the committee report, the trust aims to create a sustainable future for Ashton Court mansion that benefits the community. Their vision encompasses a variety of uses and activities designed to generate funds for ongoing preservation efforts. The report notes, “Their mission is to curate a range of uses and activities that generate funds to both preserve the heritage and future of Ashton Court mansion.”

In the meantime, urgent maintenance work is already in progress. The council has enlisted a specialist surveyor to address immediate concerns, including issues with walls, the roof, and windows. This includes compiling a comprehensive list of building defects and recommended repairs, with the use of drone technology to identify roof problems. A detailed plan is expected to be finalized by the end of the month.

The Bristol Historic Buildings Trust has a strong track record, having worked on several historic sites throughout the city, such as Kings Weston House and the Lamplighters pub. Their past restoration projects have included stonework, roofing, internal decoration, and landscaping. In their proposal for Ashton Court, the trust highlighted the urgency of action: “The last 65 years, with very little action and the leaking roof, will be dwarfed by the catastrophic decline that will occur if nothing is done very soon. We are now at a critical moment in time.”

Currently, approximately 75 percent of the building is deemed derelict, and there have been recent incidents, including a fire, that further jeopardize the mansion’s future. Alongside roof repairs, the trust’s plans include installing a new heating, hot water, and power system, addressing drainage issues, and refurbishing ground floor rooms for events.

The potential for the mansion also extends to residential opportunities. The top floor of the West Wing could be transformed into what the trust describes as “an amazing penthouse flat.” The trust aims to secure a 125-year lease, while the council retains the freehold. The initial 10 years of the lease would be rent-free, with a profit-sharing arrangement of 10 percent to the council thereafter.

This undertaking may also serve as a pilot project to modernize the restoration process for listed buildings, which the trust argues has been hampered by outdated regulations. The proposed collaboration between the trust and the council signifies a concerted effort to breathe new life into Ashton Court mansion, ensuring its legacy as a community asset for years to come.