We are absolutely thrilled for Shire Hall who have won the Dorset Echo Award in the best business development or innovative idea category!
Greendale helped transform Dorchester’s Shire Hall into the an educational, multimedia experience, which now takes visitors on an historical journey with some of Dorset’s most notorious and iconic characters and events.
Funded in part with a £1.5 million Heritage Lottery Grant match funded by West Dorset District Council, the Grade 1 listed building, which dates back to 1757, went through a very complex 73 weeks of renovations starting in October 2016.
As result of the renovation, Shire Hall is now more equipped to welcome visitors requiring assistance thanks to the installation of a lift which serves all public access floors. Additionally, the old stairs to the dock have been carefully strengthened, and existing doors widened for wheelchair access. Stairs to the basement cell area have also been made accessible for all via the installation of a powered ‘flexistep’ lift.
Rob Hooker, director at Greendale Construction, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Shire Hall on this amazing award. As main contractors, the whole Greendale team felt honoured to be working on such an iconic and historic building, and making a positive difference for its long-term future. The success of the project was down to collaborative working of all involved, and we wish Shire Hall Courthouse Museum every success so as future generations can visit and experience its rich history.”