Havering Council was joined by partners recently to unveil a plaque marking the official completion of structural repair works at the Upminster Tithe Barn.
The plaque also illustrates the partnership working between the Council, National Highways and Historic England, that has seen the historic Scheduled Monument restored and removed from the Heritage at-risk register.
The works were supported through funding from National Highways via the Lower Thames Crossing scheme.
Repair works were completed last year following funding from the Council, who are the owners of the barn, contributing £142,645
Along with a grant of £650,000 from National Highways via the Lower Thames Crossing scheme and an additional grant of £97,664 awarded by Historic England.
Works included full re-thatching, plus structural timber and brickwork repairs to the building. Other partners who carried out the works, included Lexden.
The next phase will see the Council and partners look to plan further improvements to the barn so it can be used widely by the public in the future.
The Council is currently exploring options for what will happen once this is complete.
Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“We’re delighted to have got to this stage where the barn has been restored and that has come through working in partnership with National Highways, Historic England, Lower
Thames Crossing scheme and other contractors and consultants.
“The plaque symbolises not only the completion of recent works but the strength of that partnership which has led to the barn being removed from the Heritage at-risk register.
“We all share a passion to help keep the heritage of our borough alive, and this is a great example of that.
"I now look forward to the final phase of improvement works and to see this wonderful building safeguarded for future generations.”
Jim Hunter, Principal Cultural Heritage Advisor, National Highways, said:
The restoration of the Upminster Tithe Barn is a great example of how we work with partners to protect and conserve cultural heritage.
"With funding from National Highways Lower Thames Crossing Designated Fund, Historic England and London Borough of Havering this remarkable 15th century barn has
been carefully repaired, re thatched and given a sustainable future.
Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director, Lower Thames Crossing, said:
“Upminster Tithe Barn is an extraordinary part of Havering’s history and one of the most significant heritage assets in the area.
We’re proud that funding from National Highways, through the Lower Thames Crossing, has helped secure its future.
“The unveiling of this plaque marks an important milestone, not just the completion of vital repair works, but the strength of the partnership between the Council, Historic
England and National Highways. “
Jane Sidell, Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic England, said:
"The restoration of Upminster Tithe Barn has been a special project to work on and we're delighted we were able to take the barn off the Heritage at Risk Register.
“We are looking forward to working with Havering Council to improve facilities on site so the barn can be used more widely."
“We are looking forward to working with Havering Council to improve facilities on site so the barn can be used more widely."