Stretford Town Hall, (now Stretford Public Hall), Chester Road, Stretford

OPENING OF STRETFORD TOWN HALL - On Saturday afternoon the new Town Hall at Stretford, which has been erected at the sole cost of Mr John Rylands on the site of what was known as the old public offices (purchased by Mr Rylands some years ago) was opened to the public, on which occasion upwards of 500 workpeople in the employ of Messrs Rylands partook of tea. Prior to tea Mr Rylands, who presided, hoped the hall would prove useful to the township. The following is a description of the building:— The ground floor is utilised for spacious offices and hall-keeper's room, the former being occupied by the overseers; and the remainder will be taken up for offices for the local board business, and are approached by means of three entrances, the main one from the high road. The first floor contains the assembly-room (in which the opening meeting was held) which is lofty, with opened timbered roof. At one end of the room is a gallery, and at the other end an organ chamber, containing an organ built by Messrs. Conacher and Co. Huddersfield. The other part of the first floor is divided into ante-rooms, lavatories, etc. The architectural features are boldly and broadly treated in the Victorian Gothic style, the materials being red Droylsden brick, relieved by Warwick stone. In the centre of the front elevation a tower rises about 100 feet high, with slated roof, and ornamental iron finial. The tower contains a clock (supplied by Messrs Bayley (sic), Salford) with four illuminated dials, six feet diameter. The whole of the interior joiners' work is of pitch pine, varnished. The contractor for the buildings was Mr W. Holt, Cheetham, who sublet the work as follows: bricklayers' work, Mr J. Alcroft, Stretford; stonework, Mr J. B Kendall, Manchester; slating, Mr G. Kirkley, Salford; plumbing, Mr H. Moore, Stretford; and to Messrs. Wood and Company the plastering. varnishing and painting; the carving, Mr. Green, Bury New Road; the ornamental ironwork, Mr T. Ashworth, City Road; and the designs for the whole of the work. have been made by Mr. W. A. Lofthouse, architect, Stretford.  [Manchester Guardian 15 September 1879 page 8]

STRETFORD - The new Town-hall for Stretford, near Manchester, was opened on the 13th inst. The building stands on the site of the old hall, but has a much larger area. It is in what is described as the Victorian Gothic style, being constructed of Droylsden red bricks, relieved by Warwick stone bands, carved strings, and ornamental carved and corbelled main cornice. In the centre of the front elevation a tower rises to a height of 100 feet, and in this Messrs. W. H. Bayley (WH Bailey) and Company, of Salford, have placed a clock, with four illuminated dials of which are 6 feet in diameter. Granite columns have been used for window mullions and the jambs of the front entrance. The building has been erected by Mr W Holt, Cheetham, from the design of Mr. Lofthouse, Stretford. [Builder 27 September 1879 page 1091]

Stretford’s first public library was established in the building in 1883.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 15 September 1879 page 8 – opening
Reference    Builder 27 September 1879 page 1091