Extensions: Town Hall Stalybridge

The following description of the new building has been supplied by the architect, Mr Gregory Gill:

Referring to the extensions of the Town Hall, Stalybridge, the new portions are in harmony with the old structure, although considerably richer in detail. The style adopted for the original building is Grecian Doric as seen by the two principal entrances, the one in the old Market Square and the other in Stamford Street, both of which are similar in character and detail, having massive pillars and pilasters supporting slightly projecting pediments. The stonework of these two entrances has been somewhat modified without interfering with their original style, the old entrance doors have been replaced by new ones, which partake more of the character of the new portion of the building. The old steps, which disgraced the Market Street front have been removed, and the magistrates’ entrance to the court room made to correspond with the entrance to the mortuary chamber. The old stonework is being cleaned down, pointed and otherwise renovated, the portion already done has a much-improved appearance and we have no doubt if this operation is extended to the two fronts it will have a very satisfactory effect on the appearance of the old portion. Unfortunately, the builders of the old portion were not very judicious in the selection of the quality of stone or the mode of laying it as a large portion of the stonework is laid in what is known technically as “the bed way out.” All stone deposits, as is well known, are more or less laminated. Unfortunately, the stone used in the walls of the old building are laminated and being placed with the thin layers exposed to the weather have in many instances scaled off, thus rendering the repairing and cleaning more difficult and expensive. Except the two principal doorways already referred to there is little in the external appearance of the old structure that bears any definite indications of architectural style as there are no pilasters or other indications to denote the intention of the architect more than a general one of a plain Grecian building indicative of the use it was originally intended for. The new building on the other hand has had its stonework well selected and all placed on its natural bed, the materials coming from the Warwick Quarries which are regarded as among the finest in Yorkshire. The Market Street front of the new portion is divided into several bays by means of pilasters. The central one, which projects slightly from the general line, contains the doorway leading to the several offices on the ground and basement floor. This door partakes of the same character as the two principal entrances in the old structure, as above referred to, rather in detail but without the massive columns. Over this doorway are the windows lighting the Council Chamber. This is surmounted by a pediment in the tympanum of which is carved a representation of the borough arms; the pediment is crowned with a dare stone bearing the figures 1882, indicating the date in which the extensions were commenced. At the east end of this front is a turret carried up above the main building with a mansard roof and circular dormers and terminating with an iron cresting. Beyond the turret is a flank wall surmounted with handsome railings terminating with an ornamental lamp pillar. The whole of this front is carried out in a spirited and pleasing manner, many of the details being novel and perhaps unique. The Stamford Street front is similar in character, the old Town Hall building forming the principal feature, the new portions forming wings for the several offices, the eastern side is devoted to the councillors’ retiring room, collector’s and cahier’s offices; the west side is apportioned to the police. It will be remembered that the old offices for the collector, cahier and surveyor were miserable little places of squalid appearance externally and very inconvenient internally. These, together with the old fish market and police cells forming a block of buildings which for many years was a standing disgrace to the town, all of which has been swept away and the fine new block erected on the site. The shape of the land, as before stated, is peculiar, both as regards plan and levels, causing very great difficulty in forming the several rooms as required. Difficult as this of necessity must have been, the difficulty has been admirably overcome, and an excellent suite of convenient rooms has been obtained, which can but astonish those of the inhabitants that noting good could possibly be got out of the old site. The whole affair is creditable alike to the town, the Council, the committee appointed to see the matter carried into effect, the architect and the builders. Everything seems to have had proper attention, the heating lighting, ventilation and furnishings, all of which appear to have been done on a liberal scale and of excellent quality. (Gregory Gill) [Stalybridge Reporter 24 September 1887 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 11 February 1882 page 10 – contracts
Reference    Stalybridge Reporter 24 September 1887 page 6