A historic buidling will remain at the heart of the community, with its heritage preserved for generations to come, leader of Bolton Council Martyn Cox has said.
Ambitious plans have been launched to preserve Westhoughton Town Hall, but the proposals have caused controversy in some quarters. Jasmine Jackson reports
At the heart of the plans for Westhoughton Town Hall are that it remains a community hub and that its historical features are preserved as far as possible in maintaining the building.
A total of £3M has been earmarked for the grand building.
A steering group has been set up to listen to people views and develop plans for the civic building
Bolton Council Leader Martyn Cox says that £900,000 has already been spent to replace the windows, and fix the roof, to ensure it is safe for when it reopens to the public.
And Cllr Cox is keen for all types of community groups to use the space.
He says that the steering group want the town hall to operate under three main functions: civic, community, and commercial use on the ground floor.
Cllr Cox added: “We will preserve as much of the original features as much as we can, whilst opening to community groups, and retaining the civic function around the town council.
“We will also be operating some commercial space.”
One of the reasons behind having some commercial spaces in the town hall is due to the building being 120 years old and in need of maintenance, and costs that have continued to increase over the years.
Cllr Cox added: “The commercial aspect will help to cover the cost of maintenance for the town hall.
“But we also think it is important that the public come in and use the building as well.
“Once it is created and useable, community groups can come forward and speak about allocation, which is open to everybody.
“We are looking to have plans in place by the end of the year and start construction by the end of February.”
He also says that the restaurant is just one suggestion which has been brought forward and that they are still open to more.
Cllr Cox said: “The commercial space will be taken up by people with sustainable models, which could be a number of things.
“The restaurant is only one suggestion.
“The council is under tremendous pressure in terms of costs for construction.
“In the industry, inflation is at 20 per cent, which lowers what we can do.
“If we delay, the high levels of inflation we are experiencing in the construction industry will mean purchasing power of the money we have, diminishes, and we can’t complete the works.
“So, we want to make sure we maximise spending in February and still implement sustainability within the final use.”
Cllr Andrea Finney – who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor – said: “I think it’s really exciting for the people of Westhoughton.
“We need to move quickly to get it up and running as a community building for the people of Westhoughton.
“I am very passionate about the history of our town and the opportunities within the building.
“It is for the community and everybody who wants to go in can hire and use it.”
Carnegie Hall is one of the spaces that will be preserved for community use, as well as the council chambers, and old features such as stair banisters.
The library is currently still open, which is also used by many local groups, including the history group.
Protestors have opposed the plans and said they will stage a demonstration, but Cllr Cox has said that a ‘historic civic building’ will still be at the centre of the community.
He has also insisted that the public will have a voice before the final plans.
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