THE GRADE II-listed Orangery building in Eltham town centre is finally undergoing restoration after almost 70 years.

A private firm has bought the site from Greenwich Council and is restoring the building, in Orangery Lane, to its former glory thanks to an English Heritage grant. When completed next year, the Orangery will form part of a "low-key" office development on the site of the old electricity substation next door.

Having been on the English Heritage "Buildings at Risk" register ever since it was started some 10 years ago, The Orangery has been a bone of contention for residents' groups in the town for many years.

Now Freeman Historic Properties, a firm specialising in renovations, has employed a number of specialists to restore this early 18th century pleasure garden centrepiece back into use.

English Heritage officer Dan Bianco, who has been involved in saving the Orangery since the days of the old GLC, told the News Shopper: "It would be fair to say that has been a long outstanding problem.

"The building is considered of vital historic interest so much so we raised it's listing to Grade II Star. We believe we have found the right person to take it over, restore it and put it back into use."

Although no official estimate has been given on how long the restoration will take.

Rrestorers said they aim to be finished with it within six months.

l For an in-depth and interactive investigation into the Orangery, visit our website www.newsshopper.co.uk Discover the history of the building and the scandal of why it has been allowed to deteriorate for so long.

November 26, 2001 11:04

Lawrence Shaw