Client
Rank Hovis (Premier Foods Ltd)
Value
£320,000
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Concrete Repair Coatings Cleaning & Preparation Projects
Solent Flour Mill, formerly the Hovis Flour Mill, is a listed historic structure protected by a preservation order. After many years of limited maintenance, deterioration of the front façade became increasingly apparent, attracting concern from local authorities and placing the long-term future of the building at risk.
To safeguard this important heritage asset, CRL was commissioned to refurbish and stabilise the principal elevation, restoring its appearance while addressing underlying defects. The project required careful planning to respect the building’s listed status, while delivering timely repairs that would arrest further deterioration and return the façade to a condition befitting its historical significance.
Services undertaken
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Structural survey of the front façade
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Provision of mast climber access systems
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Cleaning of brickwork and concrete façade surfaces
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Localised concrete repairs
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Application of anti-carbonation coating to concrete elements
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Redecoration of windows and doors
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Replacement of broken windows
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Installation of new sealants around windows and doo
Given the tight programme constraints and the prominence of the front elevation, CRL adopted mast climbers as the primary access solution. This approach allowed rapid mobilisation and provided a safe, efficient working platform that could be adjusted as works progressed. Importantly, it enabled discrete sections of the façade to be completed and signed off progressively, facilitating timely client inspections and maintaining programme certainty.
A comprehensive structural survey was undertaken at the outset to identify defects and define the scope of remedial works. The façade was then fully cleaned, encompassing all brickwork and exposed concrete surfaces, to remove accumulated contaminants and reveal areas requiring repair. Localised concrete repairs were carried out where deterioration was identified, ensuring reinstatement was compatible with the existing substrate and appropriate for a listed structure.
Following repairs, an anti-carbonation coating was applied to the concrete elements to provide enhanced protection against future atmospheric attack. In parallel, extensive refurbishment works were undertaken to the building envelope, including full redecoration of windows and doors, replacement of broken glazing, and installation of new sealants around all openings to improve weather tightness.
CRL’s experience in façade refurbishment and heritage-sensitive concrete repairs allowed the works to be delivered efficiently without compromising quality. By integrating survey, access, repair and protection disciplines, CRL provided a coordinated solution that balanced conservation requirements with modern durability standards, supporting effective long-term asset management.
“What could have been a difficult project was made easier by CRL’s excellent attitude.”
Kevin O’Leary | Project Manager | Rank Hovis (Premier Foods Ltd)
The application of anti-carbonation coatings to the concrete elements forms a key part of the long-term preservation strategy, reducing carbon dioxide ingress and slowing reinforcement corrosion mechanisms. Combined with targeted concrete repairs and improved weatherproofing around windows and doors, the refurbished façade is now significantly more resilient to environmental exposure.
These measures reduce the likelihood of future intervention, lowering maintenance demands while extending the service life of the structure. By addressing both aesthetic and durability considerations, CRL ensured the historic façade was not only restored visually but also protected structurally. The completed works have revitalised Solent Flour Mill’s appearance and secured the future of this important listed building for decades to come.
