Progress continues across the Rayners Penn estate as the careful restoration of the Mansion House and the wider construction programme move into their next phase.
Recent works have included the completion of piling for the new spa, along with important infrastructure works across the site. Internal driveways have also been laid out to support future construction activity and ensure that the estate can continue to function safely and practically as the project develops.
Working closely with Buckinghamshire Council’s Heritage Officer, strip-out works have also begun within the Mansion House. As is often the case with buildings of this age and significance, this process has revealed a number of challenges within the Victorian structure. These will need to be carefully addressed to protect the long-term condition, stability and character of this important listed building.
Further updates on the restoration process will be shared as the project progresses.
Utility Works on Hammersley Lane
Separate utility works have also been taking place on Hammersley Lane to upgrade the power supply to the estate. These works are being carried out by SSEN and Ingenious and are currently planned to finish by 17 July 2026.
Traffic light controls are in place during this period, helping to avoid the need for wider road diversions.
Spa Excavation Works
From 13 July 2026, excavation of the spa basement is scheduled to begin. This will be one of the more active stages of the current programme and will involve a noticeable increase in trucks, plant movement and deliveries to and from the site.
These activities will be managed in accordance with the approved Construction Management Plan and the relevant permissions provided by Buckinghamshire Council. A road sweeper will operate from Monday to Friday to help keep Church Road clean throughout this stage.
The main excavation phase is currently expected to take approximately six weeks.
Further Piling and Drainage Works
From early to mid-August, the remaining piling works are expected to recommence. This will involve the delivery of piling rigs and concrete trucks, following a similar process to the works carried out earlier in the year.
Once these piling works are complete, the remaining basement excavation works will continue.
During the same broad period, drainage channels will also be dug out in front of the Mansion House. These works form part of the wider infrastructure required to support the restoration and future operation of the estate.
Contractor Facilities on Site
In late August, a number of cabins are expected to arrive on the estate. These will provide contractor offices and welfare facilities for the duration of the build project.
This is a necessary part of preparing the site for the next stages of construction, ensuring that the project team and contractors have appropriate facilities in place while working on the estate.
Looking Ahead to September
Subject to the piling and excavation works running to schedule, concrete pouring and structural works to the spa and Mansion House extension are expected to begin in September.
This will mark a major step forward in the build programme. Further information will be shared once more is known about the precise timing and any likely implications for neighbours and the local area.
As with any project of this scale and complexity, timescales may change if unforeseen circumstances arise. However, the current programme provides an indication of the activities likely to be visible on site over the coming weeks and months. Additional security presence may also be noticeable during this period.
Project Team and Site Branding
The next phase of works on the Rayners Penn estate will be undertaken by Size Group, the umbrella company of which Walter Lilly is a part. As a result, more Size Group branding will begin to appear on site and on the updated hoardings.
The project managers and staff working on the project will remain the same.
Every effort will continue to be made to keep disruption to a minimum while these essential works are carried out. The coming months represent an important period for Rayners Penn, balancing the practical requirements of construction with the careful restoration of its Victorian heritage.