Main works complete on £1m refurbishment of Todmorden Town Hall
The grade one-listed civic building is managed by Calderdale Council, and the project forms part of the wider £17.5m Todmorden Town Deal investment programme funded by the government.
The refurbishment was carried out by Code Building Solutions and has been designed to improve the building’s accessibility and functionality while preserving its historic character, enabling the Victorian town hall to accommodate a wider range of community, cultural and commercial events.
Works started in April last year and have included the renovation of the main hall, where a new bar has been installed using materials repurposed from the building’s former courtroom.
The rear entrance has also reopened following the installation of a new accessible ramp and steps, providing step-free access through the building’s original Victorian lobby for the first time.
Elsewhere, the former courtroom has been reconfigured with new flooring and decoration to create a more flexible events space while retaining heritage features including the judge’s bench, jury box and witness stand.
Additional improvements include the installation of a new first-floor warming kitchen to support event catering, upgraded toilet and changing facilities, refurbishment of ground floor circulation areas and staircases, and the creation of a new reception area through the remodelling of the former kitchen and caretaker’s office.
Final works, including the refurbishment of the building’s external doors, are now being completed.
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for economic eegeneration, Cllr Keith Ingle, said: “Todmorden Town Hall has been at the heart of the town’s community for over 150 years. It’s a key venue in Todmorden and although it has hosted many successful and varied events over the years, some of its facilities restricted the way it could be used.
“The improvement works will enable the venue to be used in different ways, from large scale events or parties in the magnificent ballroom, to smaller community gatherings. The work will support the future of this important building, and also make the most of its history, with the improvements balancing modern facilities with heritage preservation.”
Pam Warhurst, chair of the Todmorden Town Deal Board, said: “Remodelling the jewel in our town’s heritage, Todmorden Town Hall, to ensure it meets the needs of all our communities has been a key priority for Todmorden Town Deal Board.
“Thanks to the Town Deal, this wonderful building is more sustainable and has a secure future offering spaces and facilities that are attractive, more accessible and fit for purpose, both for local use and visitors.
“It is part of our investment into the sustainability of a suite of existing venues including Tod College, Fielden Hall and Tod Hippodrome theatre, through which the town can continue to support local ambition, creativity, learning and enterprise.”
