More work ahead for Ashton Town Hall

Behind the scenes over the last six months work has been ongoing inside Ashton’s historic Town Hall on surveys and work to help improve the roof and building envelope.

Much of the preparation work and detailed surveys carried out have not been visible as hoardings have been erected to protect the public while work is carried out by the Council’s delivery partner Robertson’s and sub-contractors. The next steps will see the restoration of the parapet and facade on the south and east sides of the building.

The aim of the preparation work was to enable the council to look at a longer-term plan for repairs and to seek further funding to make them possible, with this work being funded by the £20m Levelling Up Fund (LUF). Ashton Town Hall is an important part of the plans with an allocated £3.4m of the LUF monies earmarked to support its restoration and repurposing.

Whilst the overall roofing replacement has now been paused; following approval at Cabinet the Design and Build contract will be signed with Inspired Spaces Tameside Limited and work will recommence in May this year on the repairs to the parapet and stonework. This will preserve the historic façade of the building and ensure it complements the extensive public realm works due to commence on Market Square whilst longer term plans for the building are progressed.

A Tameside Council Spokesperson said: “There is much more work needed to restore the building to its former glory and significant investment will be needed. The Levelling Up money being used will help restore the impressive façade of the building and keep it safe until other funding can be found to continue the work to on the roof and bring it back into use.

To find out more go to www.tameside.gov.uk/AshtonLUF