Moira, Leicestershire
Specialist restoration of Moira Furnace, one of the UK's best-preserved Napoleonic blast furnaces. Lime-mortar repointing, heritage stonework, roofing repairs, and structural preservation of this Grade I Listed Building.
Moira Furnace stands as one of the most significant and best-preserved Napoleonic blast furnaces in the United Kingdom. As a Listed Building of immense historical importance, it required delicate yet essential external remedial repairs. VVS Group was entrusted to deliver a restoration programme designed to halt deterioration and protect the structural integrity of this industrial landmark for generations to come.
Working on a structure of this calibre requires more than standard construction skills — it demands a deep respect for traditional materials and methods. The primary challenge was to address structural wear in the stonework and roofing without compromising the building's authentic character or its status as a protected heritage site.
Our team carried out a careful assessment and repair of the furnace's primary facade, sourcing matching stone and reclaimed bricks to ensure seamless aesthetic integration. Specialist lime-mortar repointing was applied throughout to allow the historic fabric to breathe, preventing future moisture trap and decay — a critical requirement for any scheduled monument.
Essential repairs were made to the roof structure to ensure the building was fully watertight. Original tiles and slates were carefully salvaged wherever possible, supplemented by high-quality heritage matches. Leadwork repairs and guttering adjustments were carried out to improve water shedding away from the sensitive masonry, alongside remedial fixes to stabilise external elements weathered over decades.
The essential repairs have successfully secured the envelope of the Moira Furnace Museum. By addressing stone and brickwork decay at this stage, we have prevented the need for more invasive and costly interventions in the future. The museum remains a centrepiece of the Ashby Canal corridor, safe and accessible for the public to enjoy for generations to come.
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