Heritage in Construction

7th September 2026 | News, Blog Posts

With the NFB Heritage Conference coming up this month, we’ve been reflecting on an area of construction that has always been particularly important to us at John Perkins Construction – heritage.

In fact, heritage has been part of the JPC story from the beginning. Some of our earliest projects involved listed places of worship and historic buildings around Bath and Bristol, and over more than 30 years we’ve been fortunate to work on some remarkable buildings and landmarks across the South West and South Wales.

Today, that experience includes work on Grade II, Grade II*, Grade I and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We’re proud to hold the NFB Heritage Mark, independent recognition of our experience and capability within the heritage sector.

Why we enjoy heritage work

No two heritage projects are quite the same.

Existing buildings inevitably bring surprises, and the solution isn’t always the most obvious one. There is a real skill in restoring and refurbishing historic buildings to give them a new purpose and improve the way they’re used, whilst preserving the features and character that made them special in the first place.

It means working closely with clients, conservation specialists, architects and specialist trades, understanding the significance of the existing fabric and, sometimes, adapting plans as more of the building is uncovered.

It can be challenging work, but at the same time very rewarding and we are proud of the small part we have played in preserving historic buildings in our region for future generations..

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of heritage projects including:

SS Great Britain, Bristol

One of our most recent projects was the replacement of the Weather Deck on the Grade I listed SS Great Britain.

More than 6,050 metres of Accoya deck planks were installed to form the new ‘roof’ to the 180-year-old vessel, alongside the refurbishment and reinstatement of important deck features including the ship’s bell and handrails.

The ship remained open throughout the project, so the works were divided into six phases to allow areas to progressively reopen to visitors. The project even became part of the visitor experience, with QR-code videos and on-site talks giving people the opportunity to see conservation in action.

Our relationship with the SS Great Britain Trust actually goes back more than 26 years, during which time we have undertaken a range of refurbishment, conservation and alteration projects across the ship and its associated heritage spaces.

Underfall Yard, Bristol

A £2.4m restoration of the Underfall Yard, a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Bristol’s historic harbour.

The project involved the restoration and protection of seven red-brick industrial buildings, including the Grade II listed Power House and chimney. Traditional heritage trades including brickwork, masonry, carpentry and roofing all played a part.

Underfall Yard remained operational throughout the works, with businesses, tenants and public rights of way all needing to be accommodated. We also helped run weekly Hard Hat Tours, giving members of the public an opportunity to see the restoration taking place and learn more about the site’s heritage.

Clifton Cathedral, Bristol

At the Grade II* listed Clifton Cathedral, we delivered a £700,000 heating and lighting upgrade over 20 weeks.

Built in the 1970s in the Brutalist style, the cathedral presented some very different heritage challenges. Its distinctive architecture and priceless church organ needed to be carefully protected while outdated lighting and a failing original heating system were replaced.

The cathedral remained in use throughout the project, including over the busy Christmas period. Working closely with Clifton Diocese and architect Purcell, we carefully segregated working areas and provided temporary heating and lighting to ensure church services and other events could continue with minimal disruption.

The completed M&E upgrade included new energy-efficient LED lighting, plant room works and a new air handling unit, improving comfort and energy efficiency while showcasing the cathedral’s striking interior.

 Widcombe Baptist Church, Bath

Our work at the Grade II listed Widcombe Baptist Church combined major structural alterations to the original 1820s church with a contemporary wraparound extension.

Preserving the character of the existing building was central to the project. Heritage stone specialists were brought in to carefully match new stonework with the original fabric, while significant temporary works – including more than 350 props – were needed to allow the alterations to take place safely.

All of this was delivered while the church remained operational as an important community space.

And heritage continues…

We’re currently on site at the beautiful 20 Park Place in Cardiff, an iconic Grade I listed building in the heart of the city.

We’re delivering the refurbishment and extension of this landmark property, which will soon become home to chef Tom Simmons’ latest restaurant.

As with so many heritage projects, the work calls for care, collaboration and close attention to detail. It’s a fantastic building and another project we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to work on.

Our team will also be attending the NFB Heritage Conference this month, bringing together contractors and others working across the heritage sector.

For us, it’s a chance to continue learning, share experiences and hear from others facing many of the same challenges involved in looking after our built heritage.

Heritage may have been part of where John Perkins Construction started, but more than 30 years later, it remains a really important part of what we do.