St Cuthburga's Church
Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Project Overview
Clearline Drainage was commissioned to undertake a CCTV drainage survey at the historic church in Wimborne Minster, a site with over 1,300 years of continuous heritage. Given the age and cultural significance of the location, the condition of the underground drainage network was of particular interest - especially in light of upcoming plans to introduce new WC facilities to the adjacent Trinity Chapel.
The survey was designed to assess the existing system’s condition, support the future upgrade programme, and ensure long-term drainage reliability without compromising the site's historical value.
Our Approach
Our team conducted a detailed CCTV survey across all accessible drainage runs, revealing multiple structural concerns, including:
Cracks, fractures, and holes in several pipe sections
Deterioration posing a risk to long-term system performance
Areas requiring trenchless rehabilitation or full replacement
To protect the historic surroundings, we proposed a non-invasive repair strategy using CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) liners - a trenchless solution ideal for sensitive environments. We also planned our programme to align with the future installation of WC facilities, reducing disruption and maximising efficiency during scheduled trenching works.
As part of the scope, we have since installed a new recessed inspection chamber, designed to accept one of the original stone flagstones in its cover lid. This ensures discreet access for future maintenance while preserving the visual integrity of the church’s external paving.
Outcome
The initial survey and installation phase has been completed, with remaining remedial drainage works now awaiting a final date for delivery. By combining modern drainage techniques with a heritage-sensitive approach, Clearline Drainage has helped future-proof a historically significant site - ensuring it meets the needs of both modern use and ongoing conservation.
This project demonstrates the value of strategic, pre-planned drainage in heritage environments, where preservation and practicality must go hand in hand.
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