020 3005 2873
Stone and Terrazzo Restoration Works – 50–55 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London
Project Overview
MGS Restoration Ltd were appointed to undertake specialist stone and terrazzo restoration works at 50–55 Great Sutton Street, EC1V 0DF, as part of the major refurbishment and redevelopment of this historic Clerkenwell building during 2025–2026.
Clerkenwell has a long history as one of London’s most important centres of craftsmanship and manufacturing. During the 19th century, the area became renowned for leatherworking and the production of high-quality bags and accessories, supported by the nearby Smithfield Market trade. In 1927, bag manufacturer Charles Straus commissioned a purpose-built factory on the site, originally known as Straus House. Over time, the building evolved through a variety of industrial and commercial uses before being converted into office accommodation during the 1960s.
As part of the modern redevelopment, MGS Restoration Ltd carried out extensive restoration works to the building’s historic terrazzo staircases, mineralite window surrounds, and architectural stone elements, while also completing additional specialist stonework and finishing works throughout the project.
Project Details
Location: 50–55 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 0DF
Project Dates: 2025–2026
Service: Terrazzo and Stone Restoration
Materials: Terrazzo, Venetian Mosaic, Mineralite, Natural Stone
Building Type: Historic Commercial Building Refurbishment
Project Type: Restoration and Architectural Stone Repairs
The Challenge
The building originally consisted of two separate structures that had previously been combined into a single building. As a result, the project involved restoring two independent terrazzo staircases, both of which had suffered extensive wear and previous alterations over many decades.
The staircases had significant damage throughout, including missing mosaic sections, deteriorated wall surfaces, and heavy coverings of paint and latex that concealed the original terrazzo finishes. The upper staircase levels had previously been enclosed as lift access areas and required complete restoration to reinstate their original appearance.
Externally, the project involved repairs to approximately 35 mineralite window surrounds, including filling scaffold anchor holes and carrying out detailed repairs around newly installed windows. The original mineralite material was historically a glass composition product, requiring careful material matching within a restricted construction programme.
Additional works also included the removal of embedded stainless steel handrails from stone surfaces, restoration of lift lobby floors, and installation of new stonework around the external entrances.
The Restoration Process
External Mineralite Window Repairs
MGS Restoration carried out repairs to approximately 35 external mineralite windows throughout the building.
Works included repairing holes created by scaffold anchor points, restoring damaged areas around newly installed windows, and carrying out localised surface repairs to preserve the appearance of the original façade.
Due to programme constraints and material availability, our team sourced Verdi Alpi marble chippings (1–3mm) to carefully blend repairs into the existing mineralite composition.
Terrazzo Staircase Restoration
The building’s two original terrazzo staircases required extensive restoration due to years of wear, paint coverings, and structural alterations.
Our team removed all layers of latex and paint that had built up across the terrazzo surfaces, carefully exposing the original flooring and stair details beneath.
Damaged terrazzo steps were restored using specialist repair methods, while missing Venetian mosaic sections were replaced to match the original patterns and materials.
In-Situ Wall Repairs
The staircase half-height walls had suffered significant deterioration and damage over time. MGS Restoration carried out new in-situ terrazzo repairs, casting replacement sections directly into the walls to recreate the original appearance and maintain continuity throughout the staircases.
Upper Staircase Restoration
The upper two staircase flights had previously been enclosed as lift access rooms, resulting in significant alterations to the original terrazzo details.
These staircase areas were fully restored, including the installation of new mosaic detailing to each step to match the historic design and comply with modern accessibility standards.
DDA and Accessibility Compliance
As part of the refurbishment, the restored staircases were updated to comply with:
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DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
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BS 8300 Accessibility Standards
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Equality Act Requirements
The mosaic detailing and staircase finishes were carefully designed to ensure both historical preservation and accessibility compliance.
Stone and Lift Lobby Works
Additional restoration works included the removal of embedded stainless steel handrails from stone surfaces and repairs to lift lobby floors.
MGS Restoration also supplied and installed new stonework around the external entrance doors to complement the restored architectural finishes throughout the building.
Additional Specialist Works
Throughout the project, MGS Restoration were awarded several additional work packages, including:
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Final clean-down of newly installed terrazzo flooring
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Localised stone repairs
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Specialist finishing works
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Detailed terrazzo cleaning and polishing
Materials and Techniques Used
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Terrazzo restoration and polishing techniques
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Venetian mosaic replacement and repair
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In-situ terrazzo casting
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Mineralite façade repairs
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Verdi Alpi marble chippings
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Specialist stone cleaning and finishing
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Heritage restoration methods
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Accessibility-compliant staircase detailing
The Results
The completed restoration successfully revitalised the building’s historic terrazzo staircases and architectural stone features while supporting the transformation of the property into a modern commercial space.
The terrazzo staircases were restored to a clean and visually striking finish, with repaired mosaics and newly cast sections blending seamlessly into the original materials.
Externally, the repaired mineralite window surrounds retained the character of the original façade while integrating successfully with the new window installations.
By combining traditional restoration techniques with modern accessibility standards, MGS Restoration helped preserve the building’s historic identity while preparing it for its next phase of use within Clerkenwell’s evolving creative district.
Historic Terrazzo Restoration in Clerkenwell
This project demonstrates the importance of specialist restoration techniques when working within historic commercial buildings. Through careful terrazzo restoration, mosaic replacement, and façade repair works, MGS Restoration preserved the architectural character of this historic Clerkenwell property while supporting its modern redevelopment.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your property requires professional terrazzo restoration, marble repairs, or specialist stonework, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist stone restoration services across London, working with terrazzo, marble, limestone, mineralite, and other architectural materials within residential, commercial, and heritage buildings.
Contact us today to discuss your project or arrange a consultation.
Address
MGS Restoration ltd
167-169 Great Portland Street,
5th Floor,
London,
W1W 5PF
Phone
020 3005 2873
