Progress on Wharf Rebuild

I'm happy to report that the rebuilding of Shefford's Wharf is going really well.

I was a bit concerned that it would be rebuilt with the bright red bricks that I saw, but these have been been used only for the inner skins (three layers of brick, infilled with concrete) of the wall.

The facing bricks are much closer to the original than I had dared to hope for, and the quality of the bricklaying (a long curve, leaning back, so a seriously compound bit of curvature) is spot-on.

Also, zoom in on the brickwork, and you'll see that they've laid them in alternate face-on and end-on courses (I presume the end-on courses are used to tie the face to the layer behind - as per the original Wharf's wall).

I doubt they're reading this blog, but thanks to the guys who are doing this vitally important work - a unique part of Shefford's history is being repaired to 'heritage standard'. Lots of concrete behind the scenes to make it withstand the pressure and erosion of the river, but faced with some really beautifully laid brickwork, totally in keeping with the original structure.

Couldn't ask for more, thanks!

Feast your eyes on some seriously skilled brickwork:

The long, gentle curve of our Wharf nearing completion,
in just one week!

Another little thing I've noticed is the small piece of the original wall left in place at the far right - 'originality checkpoint'?

They've managed to save a small section (far right)
to show what the original wall looked like

Wonderful curves combine with a purposeful
lean-back to show that true craftsmanship
is being used to restore our precious Wharf.

The Ivel Navigation (true of many canals) was dogged with a lack of proper maintenance. Riverside masonry like our wharf needs constant attention, and it needs to be good enough to do it's job properly. Restoration of this quality and originality is a real and refreshing blessing to our community now, and well into the future.

And I guess the people living in the beautiful apartments whose foundations are supported by this wall are breathing a big sigh of relief right now as well...