Repairs have finally been completed to the historic Queen Street Brewhouse in Colchester, a Grade II listed building that was damaged over two years ago when a bus scraped past it in July 2022.
Andy Skene, the owner of the pub, described how the bus plowed into the sign and damaged the lower part of the 18th-century window. The impact ripped off the sign, along with its battens, which were attached to the rendering on the front of the building, causing significant damage.
After the incident, Andy quickly took action by screwing the sign back up and contacting Colchester Council for any CCTV footage. It was later revealed that a First Bus vehicle was responsible for the collision. Despite Andy’s efforts to reach out to the company, he claimed that it took weeks to receive a response.
The necessary repairs for the pub included the insertion of reinforcing rods in the exterior wall, replacement of the window sill, fixing all damage on the rendering, window casement, and sign, painting the building, and installing a new sign.
A spokesperson from First East of England stated that due to the listed status of the building, they had to seek advice from specialist experts and ensure compliance with regulations before work could begin. They acknowledged that the process took longer than expected but assured that the property owner was kept informed throughout.
The completion of the restoration project marks a significant milestone for the Queen Street Brewhouse, bringing back its historic charm and ensuring that it can continue to serve the local community for years to come.
In addition to the repairs, the incident highlighted the importance of communication and prompt action in dealing with such accidents. It serves as a reminder for companies to take responsibility for their actions and work closely with affected parties to resolve issues efficiently.
Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of historical landmarks like the Queen Street Brewhouse and work together to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. By learning from this experience, we can ensure that our heritage buildings are protected and maintained for future generations to enjoy.
