Cockermouth, Cumbria

In November 2015, Cumbria suffered serious flooding across the region, resulting in the main street in Cockermouth being immersed under several feet of water. The trout hotel was seriously affected with water entering the whole of the hotel complex including parts of the original Grade II Listed building that date back several hundred years.

This flooding was particularly devastating as an earlier serious flooding event in 2009 caused similar damage to the hotel and surrounding buildings within the town.

In both events, Architects Plus immediately acted for the client during the re-construction efforts whilst working with the insurers and English Heritage to get the building back up and running as soon as possible whilst helping the insurer and client to minimise the costs associated with loss of business.

Utilising rapid drying out techniques, whilst preparing detailed surveys of assessment and ready for contractor implementation and refurbishment, the works were carried out as quickly as possible.

The practice has subsequently gained significant knowledge of the repairs and refurbishment methods to buildings that have been damaged by water due to flooding. Additionally, alongside other projects in Cumbria, the practice has developed a practical awareness for how flood resilience of properties in flood zones can be improved.