Yorkshire Building Society, Wolverhampton
Yorkshire Building Society appointed DDS to carry out a comprehensive programme of external works at its Wolverhampton branch, located at 17–17a Queen Square within the Mander Centre. The property is believed to be a listed building of historic importance and is a prominent example of traditional construction methods, featuring exposed timber framing, rendered panels, pitched tiled roofing, and distinctive canted bay windows at first and second floor levels.
The building occupies a busy city-centre location and is bounded by active retail units, bars, and offices. This required a carefully managed approach to ensure public safety, minimise disruption to neighbouring occupiers, and maintain the professional appearance expected of a high-profile financial institution throughout the works.
The Brief
The brief was to protect, repair, and enhance the external fabric of the building while respecting its historic character. The scope included extensive external redecoration across multiple elevations, specialist leadwork and roof repairs, chimney remedial works, and targeted joinery repairs where deterioration had occurred. All works were required to be carried out in accordance with British Standards, using appropriate materials and techniques suited to a heritage asset.
In addition to improving the building’s appearance, the works were intended to provide long-term weather protection and reduce the risk of future water ingress, particularly around leaded details, bay roofs, and chimney structures.
Challenges
The primary challenge of the project was the complexity of working on an older, potentially listed structure with a wide range of traditional materials. Areas of wet rot and concealed defects needed to be addressed sensitively, ensuring that only damaged sections were removed and replaced, rather than unnecessary wholesale renewal.
The site’s central location also presented logistical challenges. Access, scaffolding, and waste removal had to be carefully coordinated to maintain safety and minimise disruption in a high-footfall retail environment. Multiple specialist trades were required to work in sequence, demanding precise planning and quality control throughout the programme.
Our Approach
DDS adopted a heritage-led and methodical approach, combining specialist trades, approved materials, and carefully sequenced works to deliver a high-quality, durable result.
Specialist leadwork formed a key part of the project. Existing downpipes were temporarily removed to allow for the installation of new CODE 4 lead where it was missing, before being reinstated. Additional CODE 4 lead flashings were installed to the timber moulded cornices, secured with copper fixings and treated with patination oil to ensure longevity and a consistent finish. Lead bay roofs were inspected, cleaned, and assessed for thickness, with cracks welded where appropriate, followed by the application of patination oil to protect the repaired surfaces.
Chimney works were undertaken to improve both structural integrity and weather resistance. Existing slabs were removed and the chimney prepared before the installation of clay air bricks to improve ventilation. New marine ply decking was fixed with a perimeter overhang, and CODE 5 lead was dressed over the top with a defined drip edge. The chimney brickwork was then carefully prepared, repointed using a 3:1 PVA mortar mix, and treated with a protective water seal to safeguard against moisture penetration.
Joinery repairs were carried out where decay had been identified. Rotted marine ply beneath leaded areas was removed and replaced, and wet rot-affected timbers were cut out and spliced with new vacuum-treated timber. All new timber was properly prepared with knotting and primer to ensure compatibility with the final decorative finishes.
Extensive external redecoration was completed across the main entrance elevation, chamfered elevation, side elevation, and rear elevation. This included shopfronts, entrance doors, canted and box bay windows, exposed structural timber framing, fascia boards, soffits, and cornices. Timber and metal surfaces were thoroughly prepared, repaired, and redecorated using the Dulux Weathershield exterior system. Leaded metal windows were treated with zinc-phosphate primer and finished in exterior oil-based gloss, while rendered panels were repaired and finished with Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry to match the existing appearance.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
All works were carried out using British Standard materials and in accordance with industry best practice. Leadwork was completed by CITB-trained tradesmen, and scaffolding was erected to provide safe access for inspections and remedial works. The site was maintained in a clean and orderly condition throughout, with all debris removed upon completion.
DDS provided clear guarantees on completed works, including up to a two-year workmanship guarantee on leadwork, joinery, and chimney repairs, and a twelve-month guarantee on lead repair works where applicable.
The Outcome
The completed project has significantly enhanced the external appearance of the building while preserving its historic character. Critical weatherproofing details have been repaired and upgraded, reducing the risk of future deterioration and extending the lifespan of key building elements.
Yorkshire Building Society now benefits from a fully refurbished and protected heritage property that reflects both the building’s architectural importance and the organisation’s professional presence within Wolverhampton’s city centre.
DDS has extensive experience delivering complex commercial and heritage projects where quality, compliance, and attention to detail are essential. By combining specialist knowledge with a considered, professional approach, we help clients protect and enhance their buildings for the long term.
