Curtins provides specialist conservation and heritage engineering as part of our civil and structural engineering service. As a long established business with heritage at its heart, our own history in this field dates back to the early 1980s, when our founder Bill Curtin contributed to the restoration of Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, which is now the largest single group of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the UK.Â
Today, we help clients understand, repair, adapt and extend the life of significant historic buildings and structures, balancing technical performance with sensitivity to original fabric and setting.Â
We do this so that their stories can continue and our connection with history is preserved.Â
Our teams bring experience across Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed projects, including award-winning conservation, retrofit and reuse schemes that protect heritage value while supporting long-term, sustainable use.Â
We work closely with clients, design teams, local authorities, civic societies, the ICE / IStructE’s CARE group and Historic England to actively contribute to the maintenance and conservation of buildings with historical significance. We are also experienced in supporting funded heritage projects, including those involving National Lottery Heritage Fund and other grant funding requirements, helping teams evidence need, value and deliverability. Through these partnerships, we can enhance and celebrate the heritage fabric of our communities.Â
Our approach is evidence-led and proportionate. We start by understanding how an asset was built, how it has changed over time and how it performs today, before developing practical engineering solutions that support retention, repair and reuse. We seek to intervene only where necessary, using the least intrusive methods available so that historic fabric is retained wherever possible.Â
Curtins’ conservation capability is strengthened by CARE-accredited expertise, recognising specialist knowledge and experience in the conservation of historic structures and sites. Â
Stephen Beggs, Business Unit Director, is one of only around 100 accredited CARE professionals nationally.Â
Recognising that heritage structures require a unique approach, we prioritise the use of traditional materials and craftship wherever possible. As a client, you can expect us to follow these 7 steps when approaching your conservation project:Â
Comprehensive Review: We meticulously examine all available information to fully grasp the significance and history of the building.Â
Visual Inspection: We gain a deep understanding of the structure's condition and requirements.Â
Pre-Design Checks: We identify the need for any pre-design assessments and determine the least intrusive methods for exploratory investigations, always striving to minimize intervention. Non-destructive techniques are employed whenever feasible.Â
Design Validation: Our team rigorously checks and validates the design elements to ensure structural integrity and compliance with conservation principles.Â
Load Testing: In cases where elements may appear insufficient but have withstood the test of time, we consider conducting full-scale load tests for further evaluation.Â
Collaboration with Authorities: We engage in active consultation with the Local Authority planning department, particularly the Conservation Officer and Historic England, to ensure the appropriateness and acceptance of our proposed works.Â
Sympathetic Repairs: Our ultimate goal is to develop repairs that stay true to the original fabric of the structure, preserving and conserving its unique character and heritage as much as possible.Â
Preserving our heritage, one structure at a time.Â
We supported Laing O’Rourke in preserving the Grade II listed Hydraulic Engine House as part of Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium development. The restored Hydraulic Engine House not only honours Liverpool’s industrial heritage but also signals a future for continued regeneration in the northern end of Liverpool.
The iconic 1930s Art Deco Littlewoods Building, once at risk of demolition, is being transformed into a world-class media hub through a partnership led by Capital & Centric, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and Liverpool City Council.
Preservation of the Grade I listed bridge and provision of new visitor centre to continue the story of one of the world's last working transporter bridges.
Redevelopment of Opera North's existing facilities to provide modern spaces for the leading arts organisation.
Restoration and retrofitting to one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Engineering to save The Royal Albert Dock from demolition, followed by 40 years of continuous involvement.
NewsStephen Beggs, structural engineer and business unit director for our Bristol office, has achieved Conservation Accreditation Status (CARE) with ICE / IStructE - a prestigious recognition awarded to engineers with proven expertise in the conservation of historic structures and sites. Just over 100 professionals nationwide currently hold this accreditation.
ViewsBoard Director Oliver Delucia‑Crook recently joined leaders at the Life Science Conference and Healthcare Summit in London to discuss Developing Integrated Ecosystems: Growing Innovation Through Collaboration, exploring how partnership and shared innovation can drive meaningful progress across the sector. Read his thoughts...
NewsOur team continues to shine in the heritage sector, with Curtins engineer Suzanne Johnsen earning recognition through the prestigious SPAB Scholarship programme.
We value people as people. We believe in fostering meaningful human connections that speak to the hearts and minds of our stakeholders, to build strong powerful relationships and communities that thrive and flourish.
We say what we mean and mean what we say. Integrity lies at the heart of everything we do. It is the constant in the choices we make which builds trust, honesty, fairness, and respect for our colleagues and our clients alike.
Impact demonstrates the immeasurable power of our shared values and collective effort to effect positive, ground-breaking change and deliver excellence for our customers, colleagues, and the communities we serve.
We foster a culture of curiosity to help us constantly improve our work, inspire others to do better and think bigger, and to never stop learning.
Let’s talk about your next project and how our experienced team can help
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