Leading Doncaster manufacturer Polypipe has stepped in to help Rotherham’s Grade I listed stately home Wentworth Woodhouse lay the way for a green energy heating system.
The company has donated over 160 metres of structured wall pipe and fittings which means the Preservation Trust can divert modern sewerage pipes away from its historic cellars.
“Polypipe’s help means a massive 20th century sewerage pipe currently cutting an ugly path through the cellars can now be rerouted. It’s in the way of where future pipework will go for ground source heating for the entire Mansion, if our plans get the go ahead,” said Wentworth Woodhouse’s Facilities Manager Julie Readman.
The 225mm diameter Polysewer system will be laid around the exterior of the building.
It is one of many ‘visitor -unfriendly’ tasks the Preservation Trust’s team has been able to tackle while the Mansion is closed during the pandemic.
The work is being funded by a government Culture Recovery Fund grant received in September 2020 via Historic England and the Historic Houses Association
£331,000 was awarded towards the cost of upgrading drainage and water systems and removing asbestos in the cellar.
“We would have struggled to do these important jobs with the public on site and it means the house will be in a better condition when we welcome visitors again as COVID-19 restrictions ease,” added Julie Readman.
Edlington-based Polypipe Building Products, which celebrated its 40th year in 2020, is the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic piping systems for the residential market. Its products are sold by plumbing and building merchants nationwide.
Cameron McLellan DL, Divisional Managing Director at Polypipe Residential Systems, is currently a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire. He commented: “Wentworth Woodhouse is a hugely significant piece of the history of South Yorkshire and indeed the country.
“The work the Preservation Trust is doing to preserve this truly breath-taking property for future generations to enjoy is amazing. As a proud South Yorkshire-based business, we are pleased to be able to support the trust on this exciting project.”
WWPT’s new fundraising manager Sam Heritage hopes other local businesses will follow Polypipe’s lead.
She commented: “We are extremely grateful to Polypipe for generously donating materials and would love to hear from other businesses who can play a part in regenerating Wentworth Woodhouse. We have a long wishlist of items we need.”
