Thornaby Town Hall
Thornaby Town Hall has served the community for over a century but today is in need of major renovation. Many feel that the time has come to secure the future of this historic building for future generations.History: In 1892, South Stockton and the village of Thornaby were combined to form the Municipal Borough of Thornaby-on-Tees. The same year, Thornaby Town Hall was completed. Designed by James Garry of West Hartlepool and constructed of brick and stone by W. C. Atkinson, it took 2 years to build. With its red bricks, ashlar stone dressing and slate roofs, it had an appearance of grandeur and was a great source of pride. Two prime features are the superb Council Chamber and a 70ft clock tower.
The clock, donated by Alderman William Anderson, was set in motion on January 27th 1892. The first floor is accessed by an impressive circular staircase with a domed, cupola window above. A tiled floor in the entrance and staircase were in keeping with this grandeur. Extensions of 1892 and 1940 are of much lower architectural quality.
Thornaby Borough Council's final meeting took place in March 1968. After this, it was swallowed up by a new Teesside County Borough Council, based in Middlesbrough. This short-lived arrangement ended in 1974, when Thornaby became part of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees. Stockton Council, which inherited the Town Hall, achieved unitary status in 1996 responsible for most local services. The previous year, Thornaby Town Council was formed, helping maintain and improve the town's identity.
The Building Today: By 1978, the Town Hall had ceased to have any civic function and fell prey to vandalism and the elements. Although dilapidated, today it remains as a Grade II listed building.
Life has returned to the Town Hall, however. It has been cleaned, tidied and made watertight and the Town Council is now based there, holding regular meetings and carrying on administrative work from a ground floor office. A small engineering consultancy is based in the building and the constituency offices of Stockton South M.P. Dari Taylor are located upstairs.
Future Plans: The Town Council plan to returning the main building as far as possible to its original condition. The magnificent Council Chamber would provide a splendid venue for functions, wedding receptions and other events. A Thornaby museum could be developed and office space created for small businesses and community organisations.
Most external brick and stonework is in reasonable condition but the roof and interior require considerable repairs or replacement. The Council Chamber's delicate plasterwork would be restored and its Adam fireplace returned to its original position.
Demolition of adjacent empty shops and the 1892 and 1940 extensions - all in poor condition - would restore the elegance of the original building and be replaced by a new extension providing office space and an exhibition area.
The project will cost over £500,000. National Lottery and European funding are being investigated but must be matched with finance - or assistance in kind - raised locally from the private sector and elsewhere. The Probation Service has already pledged considerable labour resources. Stockton Borough Council, Thornaby Town Council and Teesside Tomorrow have jointly commissioned a structural survey and restoration brief. Local people have offered other practical help. Design, construction, decoration or other offers will be welcomed - contact Mr Dennis King, Town Clerk, on 01642 678652 any morning, Monday-Friday, or write to:-
The Town Clerk, Town Hall, Mandale Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6AW.
|
5 Lamps
Junction of Mandale Road and George Street |
