HERITAGE HOTEL ROOF SUPPORTED BY PREMIUM GOLD® BATTEN

5,000 linear metres of SR Timbers’ graded PREMIUM GOLD® roofing batten have been used in the recent refurbishment of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, in Leeds city centre. It’s a distinguished Victorian building and one of the city’s oldest and most recognisable landmarks.

The slate reroof was part of a wider renovation, and NRA Roofing & Flooring Services was appointed by Clegg Construction, the main contractor, to carry out this sensitive yet technically demanding roof replacement. The project's scope included the complete removal of the existing slate covering and its reinstatement using high-grade natural materials, carefully selected to replicate the original detailing while meeting modern performance standards.

Significant craftsmanship was required, particularly on the front elevation, where the talented slaters and tilers from NRA Roofing replicated the original roof’s curved profile. This was achieved through meticulous batten setting, careful slate alignment, and shaping the slate to suit the curvature. The result was a precise and visually striking feature that honoured the heritage, whilst using modern slate sizing for practical and aesthetic consistency.

AccuRoof, the specification division within SIG Roofing, assisted with the selection of roofing products, which were supplied by the Old School Yard, SIG Roofing branch in Leeds.

The SR Timber PREMIUM GOLD® roofing batten was specified as it meets the specifications outlined in BS 8417:2011+A1:2014 (preservation of timber) and is graded according to BS 5534:2014+A2:2018. Additionally, it is one of the few battens that has passed assessment by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).

The batten provided support for 16,000 SIGA 112S Spanish slates, which were used on the project, a like-for-like slate ideal for the heritage roof. The SIGA 112s Spanish slate was sourced from the Leon Region of Spain. It is a smooth, dark blue/grey slate available in two thicknesses 5mm and 7mm, and numerous sizes. Due to its similarity to slates produced in the Vale of Ffestiniog, the SIGA 112s have been awarded Snowdonia National Park approval.

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The result is a re-roofed structure that honours the past and secures the future, exemplifying true heritage craftsmanship.