Todmorden News

Todmorden Town Hall Plans A Step Closer

An ambitious scheme to breathe new life into Todmorden’s Grade I listed Town Hall has taken the next step towards completion. The project board gave the green light for plans submitted by architects Camillin Denny last week.

The firm spent a week in the town in autumn 2009 to make sure local people were involved in helping to draw up the plans during the extensive consultation period. Plans include extensive refurbishment of the outside and inside of the building and turning the basement into a cafe and heritage exhibition space. The proposal also provides for shops and meeting rooms, new toilets, new bar and lifts below an extension to the ballroom balcony. Following an independent conservation survey the courtroom and all the important historical detail will be preserved. Finally, the caretakers flat could be converted into a spectacular room overlooking the town for civic functions and wedding ceremonies.

The scheme is expected to cost around £4 million and the project board will now be looking at funding options, including the possibility of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund this September. Work could then start on the project in 2012.

Councillor Ian Cooper, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:

“The plans will mean that Todmorden at last has a town hall which can be used and enjoyed by everyone in both the local community and from elsewhere. It is recognised that this building is Todmorden’s architectural gem and it is entirely right that we give it a chance of being used and enjoyed long into the future.”

Following public consultation, the Todmorden Town Hall Development Group commissioned a full design and feasibility study into the future of the Grade I listed building earlier this year.

The Development Group was set up in 2008 by Calderdale Council, with the aim of looking into a range of options for the future development of the town hall. It includes ward and town councillors, local voluntary and community organisations and national agencies.

Liam Denny, Director of Camillin Denny Architects, said a focus on how the refurbished building will be used by the local community will be key to the project’s success. He added that the practice was looking forward to becoming fully involved:

“Camillin Denny Architects are delighted to be given the opportunity to contribute to this fascinating and integral project within Todmorden. As a company, we have a sustained history of working sensitively with listed buildings, respecting their character and the legacy of their past whilst innovatively exploring ways to make them more accessible and appropriate for the needs of today’s world.”

To contact the company with any comments in relation to the project please email Todmorden@camillindenny.com