Major funding boost for Middlesbrough Town Hall
It's for essential repairs to the roof, stonework and windows
A major funding boost will help secure the future of one of Middlesbrough's most historic buildings.
A successful bid has secured £2.59m from Arts Council England for essential repairs to Middlesbrough Town Hall’s roof, stonework and windows.
It will be matched by a £2m investment from Middlesbrough Council to safeguard the cultural venue for future generations and support its long-term use.
A full programme for the works will be confirmed later this year.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “This is fantastic news and a major investment in our Town Hall.
“We are grateful to Arts Council England for their support in helping us to protect and improve one of our most important cultural venues.
“The Town Hall plays a central role in Middlesbrough's cultural life and this funding will help us continue to build momentum towards our bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029.”
Arts Council England has announced its support for Middlesbrough Town Hall as one of seven North East venues to benefit from £8.4m from The Creative Foundations Fund (CFF), which will address infrastructure needs.
Rebecca Ball, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said: “Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life.
“I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”
Separately, Middlesbrough Council will also fund upgrades to equipment at the Town Hall to improve sound, lighting and accessibility for audiences and performers.
Once all completed, the works will improve energy efficiency and reduce the need for reactive repairs and ongoing maintenance costs.
Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey, Executive Member for Culture at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The funding award recognises the value of this much-loved venue and helps to secure its future and the wide range of events it hosts.
“The Town Hall is an incredible building which sits at the heart of Middlesbrough’s cultural offer and I want to thank Arts Council England for their support."
The Grade II listed building was designed in the 13th Century French Gothic style and was formally opened on the January 23, 1889 by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
It was built with Dunhouse Stone with a roof of Westmoreland slate.
Today, the cultural side of the building hosts a varied programme of hundreds of events every year, while its civic side is home to some council staff and is the venue for meetings of Middlesbrough Council and its committees.
Work is also ongoing at Middlesbrough's original Town Hall, built in 1846 as the town grew from its origins at St Hilda's.
A £6.3m restoration - with £4.5m funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund - will see the building repaired and its original clocktower brought back to life.