York Design Awards - Restoration & Conservation 2022
Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber - WINNER - Conservation & Regeneration 2022
NFB Construction Awards of Excellence - WINNER - Heritage & Conservation Project 2023
Dezeen Award - Highly Commended - Re-use Project Category 2023
Civic Trust Award 2024
RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2024 - Regional Award, Conservation Award & Client of the Year for English Heritage
Clifford’s Tower
A phased conservation and new build project to repair the Tower and improve the visitor experience. Works included extensive restoration of the stonework, a glulam timber canopy providing a deck to allow visitors panoramic views of York, an internal hanging steel walkway and floating staircases and installations of words, images, light and sound.
The restrictive location of Clifford’s Tower presented a key challenge. Situated at the top of a 36ft motte, in a busy location in York, required a collaborative and well managed process. Through working closely with City of York Highways and liaising with all stakeholders regarding ongoing and future planned works, we ensured public safety and minimised disruption to the surrounding area.
The Tower, exposed to the elements since 1684, had become structurally fragile and demanded an innovative conservation strategy. New internal foundations were cast independently to support the glulam structure and the new internal concrete slab, with a deliberate perimeter gap left between these works and the historic walls to avoid imposing additional load on the original fabric. The new roof, along with the floating staircases and walkways, was also constructed as a separate system, supported by new foundations. This approach ensured that all new interventions remained structurally independent, significantly reducing the risk to the Tower’s long‑term stability.
A full-height perimeter scaffold and temporary roof was needed for the duration of the works. The scaffold was erected in isolation of the original tower, ensuring no aspects were tied to the building, as this would have added additional weight-bearing pressure to the delicate structure. Foam pads were used as cushions between the tower and the temporary structure to mitigate the risk of any additional damage occurring to the fragile stonework.
The works at Clifford’s Tower have won multiple awards, including Regional Constructing Excellence Award and NFB Award for Heritage and Conservation.
York Design Awards - Restoration & Conservation 2022
Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber - WINNER - Conservation & Regeneration 2022
NFB Construction Awards of Excellence - WINNER - Heritage & Conservation Project 2023
Dezeen Award - Highly Commended - Re-use Project Category 2023
Civic Trust Award 2024
RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2024 - Regional Award, Conservation Award & Client of the Year for English Heritage
Recommended Projects
Salford Cathedral
Back in 2022, Simpson was appointed as the main contractor to deliver the conservation and reordering works at Salford Cathedral, a landmark project that has carefully restored and enhanced this important building.
Externally, the programme comprised the complete removal andreplacement of the cathedral’s roof, extensive masonry conservation repairs,and specialist restoration works to the spire, undertaken with the assistanceof a steeplejack. The stonework was carefully cleaned using Thermotechtechnology and fully repointed, while the historic stained-glass windows wereexpertly restored.
Internally, the project included the installation of a newfloor incorporating underfloor heating, together with the demolition of theexisting toilet and confessional block and the construction of new toiletfacilities and confessional rooms. A new mechanical, electrical and lightingsystem was also introduced. High-quality finishes and decorative works werecompleted throughout, including specialist ceiling painting with intricatestencilling, fine joinery, detailed metalwork and the introduction of a strikingnew altar and font.
The cathedral finally reopened its doors in July and hasbeen well received by the Diocese and the wider community. We are immenselyproud to have contributed to the preservation and revitalisation of such asignificant heritage asset, helping safeguard its legacy for futuregenerations.
Bradford Arts Centre
Formally known as ‘Kala Sangam’, Simpson completed the redevelopment of the newly named ‘Bradford Arts Centre’.
The 75 week program has seen an extensive reconfiguration and upgrade to the existing building facilities creating a state-of-the-art, space for artists, audiences and businesses, reconnecting the building and arts centre to the local community.
The project has seen the creation of a new theatre, five dance studios, a new central staircase and a permanent home for volunteer-led community radio station Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB).
The introduction of a new entrance, two new lifts and a dedicated changing place facility now ensures the building is fully accessible for the first time in its 140-year history.
Endsleigh Convent
Built in the late 1800s, Endsleigh Convent in Filey served as a convent and holiday retreat for the Sisters of Mercy of the Middlesbrough Diocese.
The goal was to sensitively redevelop the historic structure into five high-end residential apartments, preserving its architectural character while introducing modern functionality and comfort. The project aimed to honour the building’s heritage while adapting it for contemporary coastal living.
The development has seen
- Internal remodelling carried out across all floors to create 5 spacious, open-plan apartments.
- Extensive structural works to support the new layouts and to accommodate a platform lift serving all levels.
- The former chapel underwent a thoughtful extension, transforming it into a unique residence with “upside-down” living:
The redevelopment of Endsleigh Convent successfully blends heritage preservation with modern design, creating a collection of distinctive homes that respect the building’s past while embracing its future. The project stands as a model for adaptive reuse in a sensitive coastal setting.
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