Essential repairs to the retaining wall on Malling Hill in Lewes have now been completed after concerns about structural movement affecting pedestrian safety.
Essential repairs to the retaining wall on Malling Hill in Lewes have recently been completed, following concerns over structural movement that had begun to affect the safety of pedestrians using the footpath. Over many years, natural heat expansion had caused the wall’s traditional flint and mortar surface to gradually push outward. As the bulging became more pronounced, parts of the structure began to encroach onto the pavement, prompting a full investigation and the need for urgent repairs.
Once work began, we discovered that the affected section was larger than originally anticipated. What had initially appeared to be a localised issue extended along a much greater stretch of the wall. In total, repairs were carried out across approximately 20 metres, ensuring that the entire weakened area was stabilised and restored.
To make the structure safe, we carefully removed the old flintwork, taking great care to preserve as much of the character and original appearance as possible. The wall was then secured using steel pins—modern reinforcement methods that provide long‑term stability without compromising the traditional look of the structure.
With the wall stabilised, specialist bricklayers rebuilt the facing using authentic flint and mortar to match the historic style of the surrounding area. This traditional craftsmanship ensures that the repaired section blends seamlessly with the existing wall and maintains the distinctive local character that Malling Hill is known for.
Throughout the works, we worked diligently to minimise disruption to pedestrians and residents while ensuring the repairs were carried out safely and to a high standard. Now complete, the wall is both structurally secure and visually restored, providing a safe and attractive boundary for years to come.