Yahoo News Specialist team lined up to restore Middlesbrough's historic Old Town Hall
A team of leading specialists has been drawn together to help restore one of Middlesbrough’s key heritage assets.
It’s the latest step forward in a major project to bring the town’s historic Old Town Hall back into use. Following the award of nearly £230,000 in development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Middlesbrough Council has now hired a full team of specialists to progress the design.
It’s hoped the Old Town Hall, built in 1846, can be redeveloped to play its part in the regeneration of a historically significant part of the town. Full funding from the Heritage Fund would allow the building to be repurposed to support the town’s thriving digital and creative sectors.
Following a tender process, Group Ginger has been hired by Middlesbrough Council as the design team to develop plans to renovate the building into flexible spaces for digital start up companies. As part of the project an extension added in the 1970s would be demolished while the iconic clock tower – immortalised by LS Lowry - would be restored to full working order.
The proposed design will be a key component of the Stage 2 application which is due to be submitted in the summer. Group Ginger have worked on a number of Lottery-funded projects and have extensive experience in adapting and repurposing listed buildings for reuse.
They have brought together a vteam including engineers and landscape architects from Civic Engineers, Max Fordham, RLB and Planit who have a track record of collaborating on a range of award-winning projects. Group Ginger Lead Architect Simon Baker said: “We are thrilled to be working with Middlesbrough Council on this ambitious project to reimagine and reinvigorate the Old Town Hall.
“The transformation from derelict building at risk into an incubator space to support the burgeoning digital and creative sectors will contribute to the social and economic prosperity of the city, restoring the building to its rightful place as a source of civic pride, and securing its future for generations to come. We look forward to working with the community during the design process.”
In addition Seven Architecture have been hired to undertake and develop a programme of engagement activity. They are engaging with local groups and education establishments from primary schools to Teesside University, collating historical information, developing a dedicated webpage, launching a photography competition, recording oral histories and undertaking walking tours.
They have also facilitated an opportunity for a two-week work experience placement with the team through the Council’s 50 Futures programme. ERS have also been hired to undertake an evaluation of the project, as required by the National Lottery.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It’s great to see this important project take another major step forward. The Old Town Hall is a powerful symbol of Middlesbrough’s history and heritage, and it’s vital that we secure its long-term future.
“I’m delighted that we have the right people on board to give this fantastic building a new lease of life for future generations.”
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