Not Bard - multi-million Shakespeare contract for Hay firm

Hay-on-Wye-based Splitlath Building Conservation Ltd has secured the £3 million deal to restore a building on the site of William Shakespeare's former residence in historic Stratford-upon-Avon.

The contract is a feather in the cap for Splitlath whose managing director believes Herefordshire is leading the way when it comes to this sort of restoration work.

"There are not many who specialise in timber frame work," said John Dimbylow, who is 52.

"We've won several awards for the work we have done and Herefordshire generally is a very strong county for conservation skills, particularly heavy oak framing."

Mr Dimbylow's colleagues will carry out a range of internal and external works including restoration of the timber frame building, plus work on a museum and exterior landscaping, including new memorials.

It takes place at Nash’s House - a Grade 1-listed building which was Shakespeare final home. It is thought he penned works including The Tempest from there.

"It's not until you go there that you realise the significance of the site," he added.

"You see lots of tourists, particularly those from China and America.

"The project itself centres on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

"At any one time there will be 25 people working on it, with about 20 from Herefordshire."

The work is part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will be carried out on behalf of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

The centre is expected to open to the public next April, 400 years since the renowned playwright died.

And Mr Dimbylow says the literary importance of the Warwickshire town is not lost on him.

"Despite coming from Hay, I'm not a big book reader," he said.

"But when we found out we were thrilled. It's fantastic to have on our portfolio.

"It doesn't come bigger than this, really."

Splitlath recently completed an award-winning restoration of the Walronds in Devon which is an early-17th century Grade I-Listed townhouse in Cullompton.