Havering Town Hall Roof Costs Soar, Havering 2026

Key Points

• The cost of repairing Havering Town Hall’s roof has increased due to programme delays in the project.
• Construction firm Stace requires an additional £25,000 to complete the works.
• Conservation architect Purcell seeks up to £32,461 extra for their services.
• The Town Hall, a Grade II Listed Building, requires urgent roof replacement to address leaks and improve energy efficiency.
• Original contract approvals were for re-roofing works including photovoltaic panels and HVAC unit replacements, with a projected start in June 2025 and completion in December 2025.
• Additional costs will impact the council’s budget, though specific total figures beyond extras are not detailed in reports.

Havering (East London Times) April 18, 2026 In Havering, the London Borough of Havering Town Hall, construction firm Stace and conservation architect Purcell have requested significant additional funds due to ongoing delays in the roof repair project. As reported in the Yellow Advertiser, the costs have ballooned because of “programme delays,” with Stace now requiring an extra £25,000 and Purcell up to £32,461 as the works drag on. This development will set the council back further as it manages the upkeep of the Grade II Listed Building.

Why have Havering Town Hall roof repair costs increased?

The primary reason for the cost escalation stems from programme delays that have extended the delivery period beyond initial projections. According to the Yellow Advertiser article titled

“Havering Town Hall roof repair cost soars as work drags on,”

these delays have necessitated extra payments to the contractors involved. The official notice from Havering Council’s democracy portal confirms that

“The Town Hall roof replacement project has been subject to programme delays, resulting in a longer delivery period than originally envisaged.”

No specific causes for the delays, such as weather or supply issues, are detailed in the available reports from Yellow Advertiser or council documents.

However, the council’s delegated decision records indicate the project was a key decision due to expenditure exceeding £500,000, highlighting its scale from the outset.

Who is involved in the Havering Town Hall roof repairs?

Construction firm Stace holds the contract for the physical works on the Town Hall roof. Purcell serves as the conservation architect, given the building’s Grade II Listed status, which requires specialist oversight to preserve historical features.

Council documents from the democracy.havering.gov.uk portal outline the appointment of professional services via Constellia framework, directly linking Stace and Purcell to the additional funding requests. Earlier cabinet reports reference the need for consultancy support alongside the main contract award for re-roofing and associated works.

What work is included in the Havering Town Hall roof replacement?

The project encompasses a full roof replacement at Havering Town Hall, including repair or replacement of roof lanterns, parapet walls, and installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on new flat roof areas. It also involves replacing HVAC units to enhance the building’s efficiency.

A September 2024 cabinet report details that these measures aim to halt ongoing leaks and reduce thermal inefficiency, which currently contributes to higher energy costs estimated at £430,000 over time, or about £17,000 per year.

The PV panels alone are projected to generate £368,978.74 in savings over 25 years, equating to roughly £15,000 annually, with a payback period of 4.3 years at a cost of £75,547 excluding VAT. Delaying the work would exacerbate deterioration and increase capital expenditure, an option explicitly rejected in the report.

When was the Havering Town Hall roof project approved and scheduled?

The contract award for re-roofing and associated works was listed as a key decision, with notices published around June 13, 2024, and forthcoming determinations noted in council agendas up to August 2025.

The projected timeline in cabinet papers was a start in June 2025 and completion by December 2025.

By April 2026, delays have pushed costs higher, as evidenced by the recent Yellow Advertiser coverage on April 17, 2026.

How does this affect Havering Council’s budget?

The additional £25,000 for Stace and up to £32,461 for Purcell represent direct increases tied to the extended timeline. Council infrastructure funding statements from 2022/23 mention £2.29 million in CIL receipts and £254,324 spent, with notes on initial project delays, though not explicitly linking to this roof work.

The original scheme’s rejection of a “do-nothing” option underscores the long-term financial logic, despite short-term overruns, as continued leaks would raise maintenance and energy expenses.

What is the history of conservation work at Havering Town Hall?

Purcell’s involvement aligns with prior council collaborations, such as updating Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans (CAAMPs) for Romford, Rainham, and Gidea Park in 2025, where outdated 2008 plans were refreshed with their input. While not directly tied to the roof, it demonstrates ongoing heritage preservation efforts in Havering.

The Town Hall’s Grade II Listed status necessitates such specialist input, ensuring compliance with heritage standards during repairs.

Background of the Development

Havering Town Hall, as a Grade II Listed Building, has faced persistent roof issues leading to leaks and inefficiency, prompting the council to pursue comprehensive replacement works. Cabinet approval in September 2024 formalised the contract under the Constellia framework, targeting not only structural fixes but also sustainability upgrades like PV panels and HVAC replacements.

Initial planning anticipated a 2025 timeline, but by April 2026, programme delays—detailed in council notices and local media—have driven up costs from Stace and Purcell. This follows broader infrastructure challenges in Havering, including CIL-funded projects reporting early delays.

Prediction: Impact on Havering Residents and Taxpayers

This development can affect Havering residents and taxpayers through potential pressure on council budgets, as the extra £57,461 or more diverts funds from other services amid ongoing infrastructure demands.

Delays may prolong disruptions at the Town Hall, affecting public access to council facilities, while long-term benefits like energy savings from PV panels could stabilise future costs. Ratepayers might see indirect impacts if budget adjustments lead to service prioritisation or council tax considerations, though no statements confirm immediate tax rises.