Bolton Council has appointed ISG as its contractor partner for the redevelopment and refurbishment of Bolton Town Hall.
The redevelopment of the Town Hall is part of a rationalisation programme, which aims to move more council staff into the building, enabling the council to dispose of other buildings and save over £1 million over the next two years.
The refurbishment involves creating large open-plan office spaces and doubling the number of staff able to work in the building. It also involves improving the working environment and upgrading infrastructure.
Extra space and better facilities in the town hall will mean the council will not need to use as many separate office buildings. It will also aim to improve the range of services that will be offered at the One Stop Shop. The refurbishment of the Town Hall will also protect Bolton’s key civic building for years to come.
ISG has extensive experience renovating listed buildings, including the contractor’s recent scheme to refurbish the external façade of the Cunard Building - one of the Three Graces on Liverpool’s historic waterfront, a comprehensive refurbishment of the Assembly Hall at Chester Town Hall, a complex internal redevelopment at Macclesfield Town Hall and the creation of a new museum and cultural venue at Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent.
The council will be working with ISG to produce a full design and costing for the project by the end of the year, with work set to start on the build in early 2013. The council and ISG will also work with conservation experts to ensure that proposed plans are in keeping with the historical significance of the building.
ISG has also committed to supporting and investing in the local economy. This means that up to 70 per cent of the materials, and workforce required to deliver the project will be procured locally, either directly or via sub-contractors. The company has also committed to supporting training of local people through links with local colleges and apprenticeship providers.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: “We are delighted to have appointed ISG to design, cost and refurbish Bolton Town Hall, as they have a long and successful track record of redeveloping heritage buildings. We look forward to working with them to increase occupancy, improve facilities for staff and members and reduce future spend on the building, while respecting and protecting the character and historical nature of Bolton’s key civic landmark.”
ISG’s Jim Parker, managing director – North West, added: “Bolton Town Hall is an iconic regional landmark and we will be working closely with the Council to both preserve and redevelop this historically important building to better serve the local community and enhance the working environment for staff.
“Bolton Council’s core focus on eliminating waste and driving efficiencies throughout the project has led to our early involvement in the scheme. This enlightened approach will undoubtedly prove beneficial as we are able to thoroughly explore options and make informed recommendations to maximise time and cost savings for the Town Hall redevelopment.”
During the refurbishment the One Stop Shop, Access Bolton, and the Albert Halls will remain open. All other town hall staff, including the Chief Executive, will be temporarily moved to other council-owned buildings.