Cenotaph Relocation
Location: Manchester
Client: Manchester City Council – Laing O’Rourke
Architect: Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture
Date: 2012 - Present
The War Memorial Grade II* listed Cenotaph Assembly was built in 1924 by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The rectangular Cenotaph is located on a plinth that runs out to each side with the returns bearing obelisks and it is surmounted by a statue representing the dormant soldier. The composition is completed by the podium and the War Stone. The Cenotaph Assembly forms a group with the adjacent Memorial Cross within the St. Peter’s square Conservation Area.
Project Proposal:
Dismantlement, relocation and reconstruction of the Cenotaph Assembly to a new location in St.Peter’s Square, at the rear of Manchester Town Hall. Design of a new setting for the Cenotaph as a key part of the St.Peter’s Square redesign.
Scope of Professional Services:
Heritage Architecture Ltd was commissioned as Lead architects from concept (RIBA 2013 Stage 2) to completion of construction (RIBA Stage 7), as well as acting as planning consultants for our City council clients. Key tasks included the following:
Listed Building Consent and Full Planning Application
Including production of the heritage Statement (comprehensive: Historic Appraisal and Significance Assessment of the monument); Relocation options appraisal; D&A Statement, Submission of documentation for Discharge of PA/LBC Conditions. Listed Building and Planning Consent was granted in 2012.
Conservation Works
Conservation architect from concept (RIBA 2013 Stage 2) to completion of construction (RIBA Stage 7), with responsibility for the detailed specification of the repair and conservation treatment of the grade-II* Portland stone monument, including devising the dismantling, relocation and reconstruction methodology.
New Setting Works
Lead designer from concept (RIBA 2013 Stage 2) to completion of construction (RIBA Stage 7). Currently at the completion of Stage 4 (November 2013). Creating a new public space that will form the new setting of the grade-II* Cenotaph adjacent to the grade-I listed Manchester Town Hall.