Town hall built for £45,000 to undergo £2.5m renovation

Joanne Ginley

MAJOR renovation work has started at a West Yorkshire town hall that first opened in 1889.

Dewsbury Town Hall originally cost 45,988 to build in 1889 and this is the first time that the building has undergone such a major overhaul.

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In recent years, there have been several leaks into the meeting rooms, causing damage to ceilings and decoration.

Kirklees Council is investing over 2.5m on the external fabric of the building, with contractors, Bramall Construction, on site until Easter 2011.

The repair work involves a complete re-roof with improved insulation; renewal of gutters and rainwater pipes; stonework cleaning and repair; window repairs and secondary glazing; external redecoration and installation of architectural lighting to highlight the features of the Grade II listed building. It will also include new flagpoles and repairs to the clock tower.

Coun Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council, said last night: “Dewsbury continues to be a top priority for the council, even though there’s a recession and council finances have been hit hard, we will continue to invest in the area for many years to come.

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“This is a great opportunity to make the most of this building, one of many fantastic buildings in Dewsbury, creating a real focal point in the centre of town. By carrying out this improvement programme the council should not have to carry out any further significant work on the outside of the building for at least another 25 years,” Coun Khan added.

The work will make the building wind and water tight and should improve energy efficiency. It is also essential prior to carrying out any major refurbishment within the building.

A new lift will also be installed this summer, which will ensure safe access into and around the building for the thousands of people who use the building each year.

Kirklees Council said last night there were also plans to move the registrars into the town hall once all the necessary building work had taken place.

The project is being managed by Kirklees Council in partnership with Aedas Building Consultancy who have been the designers and Bramall Construction who are the contractors.