TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
12th December, 2018
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Re: Evan's Home Refurbishment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Local Resident/Business,
I refer to previous two information notes issued in July and September 2018. As previously advised the contract to complete the refurbishment works at Evan's Home is a 15month contract with an expected completion date of October, 2019. Works continue to progress well.
In the past three months the raking and re-pointing of the building walls has been largely completed. Internal ground floors have, to a large extent, been replaced. Works also continue on the new-build element of the works, the walls for which are now to first floor level. Replacement of roof slates is ongoing and all strengthening and conservation of the existing roof timbers is now complete. Conservation and strengthening of first floor timbers is ongoing and works have commenced externally to support universal access to the site through what will become Evan's Home Archaeological Garden.
Recently, in the course of completing gas connection works along Barrack Lane, there was a significant archaeological discovery. St. John's Priory dates back to the 1240s and Barrack Lane formed part of the original cemetery of The Priory. The gas main installation works were halted for about five weeks while over 150 individuals were archaeologically excavated by a crew of 5 archaeologists. All works associated with this archaeological excavation were completed under licence of the Department of Heritage. The burials all date back to the 13th/early 14th century. A detailed report will issue in the coming months on this archaeological find which also included the identification of the south wall of the nave of the Church.
Over the next few months mechanical and electrical installations will commence and the external works to form the access ramp from Carnegie Car park and Barrack lane will also commence. The crane will be removed from the site in the early part of 2019 and probably before the next update.
I have attached some photographs that give a general feel for the works currently being undertaken. They include;
1. The new void area that will become the Temporary Gallery for Butler Gallery Ltd.,
2. New floors at ground floor level complete with under floor heating,
3. A window that reflects previous uses of the building,
4. The repaired roof with the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle.
Please email me at simon.walton@kilkennycoco.ie if you have any enquiries.
A further update will be circulated to local residents/businesses in March 2019. Happy Christmas and thanks to all for your patience whilst the works are ongoing.

------------------------------
Simon Walton,
Project Manager.