One of Middlesbrough’s most historic buildings can now be brought back to life after funding for its restoration was secured.
The Old Town Hall in the town’s original heart, St Hilda’s, has stood empty for almost 30 years.
Restoration of the Grade II listed building can now go ahead thanks to more than £4.5m of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with £1.8m of existing Government funding.
Members of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive accepted the grant and approved plans for the site at a meeting on January 8.
Proposals will see the building’s 1960s modifications demolished and a new, modern extension built alongside urgently needed structural work. The original clock tower will also be restored and brought back into working order.
A refurbished Old Town Hall, designed by adaptive re-use specialists Group Ginger architects, will offer more than 7,000 sq ft of office accommodation for Middlesbrough’s thriving digital sector.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “The Old Town Hall is a key part of Middlesbrough’s heritage and I am delighted that we’ve now been given the opportunity to safeguard it for future generations in our town.
“Bringing the building back into use will help continue the regeneration of such an important and historic part of Middlesbrough.
“I want to commend Council officers who have worked hard to engage with members of the public and secure the vital funding needed. We are grateful to the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Development, said: “What we now call Middlehaven was where modern-day Middlesbrough started and the Old Town Hall was at the very centre of life as the town grew from humble beginnings into a booming heart of the industrial revolution.
“The building was famously captured in a painting by L.S. Lowry in 1959 and is recognisable and well-loved as a symbol of our town.
“I can’t wait to see the building restored to its former glory and now contribute to one of the town’s new boom industries.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is fantastic news that we’re supporting the restoration of one of Middlesbrough’s most historic buildings, the Old Town Hall.
“Saving heritage is a priority for the Heritage Fund and thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will safeguard the Old Town Hall’s future by bringing it back into use and engaging local communities with its important heritage.”
The Old Town Hall was first opened in 1846 as Middlesbrough grew rapidly thanks to the iron and later steel industries, centred around the River Tees.
Bringing it back into use will further support the regeneration of the area, which is home to the Boho digital cluster including the new Boho X building, new homes, Middlesbrough College and a planned new secondary school.
The town’s digital industry ranks as the sixth fastest growing tech base in the UK and the Old Town Hall refurbishment will supply a pipeline of the right type of accommodation to help the sector continue to grow.
Opportunities for members of the public to engage with the heritage of the building will be available, led by Seven Architecture, with more details to come as the project develops.
