Wood panelling on the outside of the town’s new theatre venue is splitting people’s opinions, with some complaining that it is already warping and discolouring.
The controversial Theatre Severn is being constructed with a number of different materials and the timber cladding has been put up on the side closest to the Welsh Bridge.
But county and borough councillor Jon Tandy, says he has received numerous complaints from residents about the wood already looking weathered and irregular in shape and size.
He said: “The wood on the outside of the theatre is all different sizes and it looks a joke. People have said to me that it is already warping and discolouring.
“It looks rubbish and they have taken it down twice to rebuild it. How much maintenance is it going to cost if it is already warping?”
Ashley Davies, project architect and director of the firm Austin-Smith:Lord LLP, said that the untreated ‘green’ oak was a durable and attractive native species of hardwood that would be sustainable.
He also said that the wood was intended to change colour and not be a regular shape.
He said: “The oak is quoted as being rated two out of five on durability scales – with one being the highest. It was agreed not to treat the timber for two reasons: firstly, ‘green’ untreated timber is the most sustainable and traditional way of using wood in buildings.
“Secondly, it is the treatment on timber which is what normally requires maintenance. As a result, the wood itself should need no – or very little – maintenance during its lifespan on the building, which is quoted at 15-25 years durability.
He said that warping could occur where the timber was not secured properly on each edge but that adequate fixing controls the natural movement of the oak.
Mr Davies added: “The cost for removing any rogue timbers and re-fixing it so that it is secure was borne by the contractor’s team and not the council.”
• What do you think? Write in with your views to: The Editor, Shrewsbury Chronicle, Chronicle House, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DN, or ring Ruth Taylor on 01743 283326 or email jbutterworth @shrews burychronicle.co.uk