Leading construction restoration and repair specialist Plastic Surgeon has recently completed stone repairs to the Risca Palace Cinema on behalf of Opco Construction.

The restoration of a Grade II listed cinema building in South Wales has been brought to a successful completion with two of Plastic Surgeon’s most experienced stone Finishers being involved in repairing ornate stonework, before applying a bespoke blue colour of the company’s Screedcoat treatment across the entire façade.

The Risca Palace Cinema had stood derelict at the centre of the small town near Caerphilly for more than two decades, and was considered an eyesore by local inhabitants. While previous plans to bring the building back into use had foundered, a scheme involving the creation of a Tesco convenience store, along with a new library and other community facilities – including a 'Customer First Centre' to deal with payments and enquiries - has finally come to fruition.

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At the time of the project being given the go ahead, Risca West Councillor Dave Rees, quoted in the local press said: "The Palace has been an eyesore for far too long. We've got the opportunity for the first time in 30 years to have it brought back to its former glory. I'm glad we've been able to do something about it."

Although the main contractor, Opco Limited, carried out the conversion and took responsibility for the major repairs to the two storey frontage, Plastic Surgeon was called in to provide its expertise in the detailed restoration of the decorative stonework; and also to create a colour match for the historic entertainment venue’s original blue finish.

Following consultation with representatives of Caerphilly Council, heritage officers and the project architects, Plastic Surgeon’s Finishers mixed sufficient quantity of the high build finish coat that was then applied using a variety of rollers.

Plastic Surgeon’s Regional Manager for South Wales, Gary Danson, recounts: "This was an unusual job in terms of both its scale and the fact the building was Grade II Listed, which was why we sent two of our most experienced stone guys to do the work.

"The pair of them were on site over a period of six weeks, with interruptions for bad weather and access issues, but the repairs to the classical stonework detailing progressed well. Then when we came to apply the Screedcoat, great care had to be taken to ensure no “day joints” were visible. It is the first time Plastic Surgeon has tackled a building of this size and importance using the Screedcoat system and it has turned out very well, with everyone being complementary about the outcome."

For further information visit: www.plastic-surgeon.co.uk'