Construction firm Robert Woodhead has begun work on a £238,000, three-month project to restore two Grade II Listed properties at Newstead Abbey.

The cottage restoration project, which was awarded to the heritage team of Robert Woodhead, Woodhead Heritage, earlier this year, was procured through the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa ii) Minor Works Framework. Empa ii aims to improve the efficiency of procurement and delivery of construction and property maintenance projects for public sector bodies.

Gardener’s Cottage and Stable Cottage are both being developed as part of a project by Nottingham City Council to provide a wider range of visitor facilities, including commercial holiday accommodation, within the grounds of the abbey. The cottages will also be available as accommodation for the bridal party as part of the wedding package on offer at the abbey.

Mark Maisey, team leader at Woodhead, said: “It’s great that we are able to not only restore these cottages but also bring them back into daily use. Gardener’s Cottage has sat empty for over a decade, which for a property like this is a real shame. Nottingham City Council have been able to find a commercial use for the cottages which will secure their future.”

Alan Coole, head of empa said: “Gardener’s Cottage at Newstead Abbey is the perfect example of how the empa framework can help to bring old buildings back to life. Heritage restoration projects like this one often have limited budgets and timeframes to work to; by using the empa framework organisations like Nottingham City Council can be guaranteed a contractor that will finish the project on time and within budget. I’m certain it will be a welcome addition to Newstead Abbey and provide charming accommodation for weddings at the site.”

Gardener’s Cottage, a 19th Century stone cottage, along with the attached kitchen garden walls are designated as a Grade II Listed building. The cottage has been empty and unused for over 20 years, which has left the property in need of repair. The works at Gardener’s Cottage are already under way and will be predominantly internal, including the removal of less sympathetic interventions that were carried out within the property during the 1980s, and will return it to its 19th Century appearance.

The stone walled courtyard which is currently in a very poor condition will also be restored to create a private courtyard for the holiday accommodation.

Stable Cottage, a smaller Grade II listed stone property, will also be restored and renovated to provide additional accommodation. Both properties are due to be completed by the end of August.