By Cllr Angela Taylor (Ward 11, Ossett and Gawthorpe)
The Town Hall is an iconic landmark here in Ossett, but, although (in normal
times) it is used by many groups, the building is in a sad state of repair and not fully accessible.
At last, after years of campaigning and help from Lisa Baugh (who looks after halls throughout the district), the Council have agreed to conduct a full refurbishment.
We are to have the roof (and clock tower) fully repaired, thus preventing further ingress of water which is constantly ruining the inside decor, and all stonework will undergo extensive restoration.
Early 2021, in the first phase, we will have our long-awaited lift fitted, allowing access for all to the whole upper floor, in particular to Ossett Library, which will move back upstairs to state of the art facilities.
Hopefully, this will be completed by the end of June.
The second phase is hoped to be finished by the end of September.
A few years ago, the front section of the balcony seats were recovered, thanks to sponsorship from residents and friends. The rear section will now be renovated and made more comfortable.
The main hall floor will be sanded and repolished, the theatre entrance (opposite
the bottom of Kingsway) will be made to look as attractive and inviting as the main entrance and an external ramp will be installed.
The final and third phase will include all peripheral areas. It will hopefully be
finished by the end of the year - toilets refurbished, tiled floors and walls mended, rotting wood replaced, decorated throughout and each area being made ‘fit for purpose’.
Ossett Town Hall will once again become the beautiful
building it was meant to be.
Please be patient during the refurbishment.
The three-phased approach is intended so that the whole building need not be out of use for the whole time, but different sections will need to be closed at certain times.
If you have any concerns then please email me - actaylor@wakefield.gov.uk.
