Bridgnorth building society gets a traditional new look for 2025

However, the scaffolding has now finally removed, revealing the work conducted by the building society, which has changed the black timber frames of the branch for a more traditional look.

In its time, the building has been a Natwest bank, an independent commercial business as well as the former offices of the Bridgnorth Journal. Nationwide has occupied it since 1999.

The renovation of the 18th century building follows a Historic Building Survey by Peter Ward of Heritage House Surveys, who are based in Bridgnorth, to establish the extent of rot to parts of the timer, and it was discovered that a much older timber frame lay behind the visible façade.

A joint decision between the local authority, the Nationwide estates team and conservation professionals was made to restore as much of the original frame as possible and to limewash the timbers.

The black and white that we so often see on timber frame buildings is not actually as traditional as we may think, rather it is a result of the availability of cheap tar during the Industrial Revolution and the mistaken idea that it would protect the wood.

Jake Oakley of Oakley Frame Buildings carried out repairs to the frame and hopes that this will set a trend across the area to restore buildings to their original condition, thus improving their longevity, rather than opting for the Victorian black timber look that people have become accustomed to.

Repairs to the lime panels and mortars were carried out by expert Charlie Short of South Wales Heritage Plasterwork, and the decorative timber mouldings by Whitacre Bespoke.

Resident Huw Rees who snapped the new look building society when the scaffolding came down, said: “It's brilliant to see the scaffolding and road barriers have finally been removed. Thanks to some expert workmanship, we now have a stunning example of how a timber building should look.

“I personally didn't realise that the black colour we're accustomed to is a Victorian modernisation.

“The idea that timbers should be black is now so prevalent that it's rare to see a white timbered building. The fact that our town now has an example of one is a great asset and adds to the uniqueness of our beautiful town.”