Chairman recognised as conservation specialist

The chairman of Cassidy and Ashton has been recognised as one of a handful of specialist conservation architects in the UK.

Michael Hartley is now accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a specialist conservation architect – the highest level of RIBA’s conservation register – recognised for his portfolio of work on Grade I and II listed buildings and scheduled monuments. There are currently only five others across the whole North West.

Michael has worked with the practice for more than 30 years and has overseen historic projects such as the major refurbishment of the Grade I listed St Peter’s Church, Stonyhurst College, as college architect; external repairs to Salford Cathedral, as cathedral architect, and the conversion of the former Preston Royal Infirmary into housing.

“I am delighted to now be included on RIBA’s specialist conservation register,” said Michael, who is also an adviser to the Historic Churches Committee.

“As well as enhancing the practice’s reputation, this accreditation also means that Cassidy and Ashton will be able to take on more expert conservation work in-house, such as applying for particular heritage grants, which would previously have required an external consultant.”

Cassidy and Ashton, which has recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary, is currently working on plans for a new narthex at the Grade I listed Goosnargh Parish Church, Lancashire, and is carrying out quinquennial surveys for many churches in Liverpool archdiocese as well as preparing preliminary drawings for a Christian heritage centre.