The Rochester Bridge Trust has been recognised for its significant contribution to the conservation of Rochester.
The City of Rochester Society (CoRS) Conservation Award 2022 was presented to the Trust in acknowledgement of its sensitive restoration of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber on Rochester Esplanade. To balance the reduced ability to give awards during the pandemic, this year two awards were presented, with the other going to the team responsible for the restoration of Chatham House on the High Street.
Rob Flood, Chairman of CoRS said: “The extensive restoration project carried out by Rochester Bridge Trust to the Bridge Chapel and Chamber is an obvious choice for this award, being an outstanding example of conservation work and it is receiving well-deserved praise from residents and visitors.
“Rochester Esplanade is greatly enhanced by the presence of the Trust, providing an unexpected source of interest for our many visitors and pride of place for local people.”
The award was presented by Rob Flood to Derek Butler, Senior Warden at the Trust.
Derek added: “I am very pleased to accept this award on behalf of the Rochester Bridge Trust. The refurbishment of the medieval Bridge Chapel and Victorian Bridge Chamber were significant undertakings to bring the buildings into the best possible condition for the future, including making them fully accessible to visitors.
“Carried out at no cost to the public, this major project was completed on time and to budget despite the challenges of work beginning during the Covid 19 pandemic.
“The restoration means the buildings are now able to open to visitors, and we are very pleased with the positive response we have received. The buildings will next be open in September, to coincide with Heritage Open Days.”
For more information about the Bridge Chapel and Chamber and their next open days, visit the Forthcoming Events page.
