A major project to renew the roof of the 125 year old Town Hall will begin on Monday 3rd December. The required work, which is hoped to be completed by summer 2008, is being undertaken by contractors MS Oakes Ltd.

As a result of the works there will be a temporary closure of the road between the Town Hall and Trafalgar House. Pedestrian and wheelchair access will be maintained.  

David Frowde, Technical Director, Community Housing explained why the work was needed.  “Over the years routine maintenance work has been carried out, but the stage has been reached where major renewal is required. This means replacement of the slate roof and lead work. We will also be taking the opportunity to make good the stonework and brickwork and some of the original windows.”

The public will be kept informed of developments throughout the duration of the works.

Note to Editors:

1. Some of the maintenance works will require listed building consent and planning approval and the appropriate applications have been made.

2. The Town Hall, a Grade 2 Listed Building, was completed in 1882 and replaced the earlier and somewhat smaller Town Hall that had been built in 1716.

3. The new building was built on fill, with that under the western part of the building, nearest the river, being the deepest and the most recently deposited.  As a result the structure gave early indications of unequal subsidence.  

4. In November 1886 a proposal by engineers JamesTeasdel and F Duckham to secure the building by means of screw piles and cross girders was accepted at an estimated cost of £11,800.  The work was successfully completed in 1888.

5. Subsequently the eastern side of the structure, which was not piled, has continued to settle as the consolidation of the fill continued.  The rate of movement has greatly reduced with time and a permanent repair of the stonework is now considered feasible.

6. This means that the scaffolding fans, which have been in place on the southern and eastern elevations of the building to protect the footways from any material that might fall, can be removed.

7. The overall cost of the works is estimated to be approximately £1.5 million, although this includes a substantial contingency sum, since the full extent of the work necessary will not become clear until works are well underway.  

For further information contact David Frowde, Technical Director on 01493 846373.