Walter Thompson (Contractors) Ltd has been appointed by Middlesbrough Council as Main Contractor for the redevelopment of Middlesbrough’s historic Old Town Hall.

Works are now commencing on the Grade II listed building in St Hilda’s, marking the start of a 12-month programme that will bring the long-vacant landmark back into use as a modern business destination within Middlehaven’s Boho Zone.

First opened in 1846, the Old Town Hall has stood empty since 1996. The project, supported by more than £4.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Alongside The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has also received £1.8 million of existing government funding, reflecting the national importance of restoring and re-purposing historic buildings for contemporary use.   

Councillor Theo Furness, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Development, said: “The Old Town Hall is one of the real icons of Middlesbrough’s history and heritage, and I’m delighted to see it being brought back into use.

“It’s been a key feature of the town’s skyline for 180 years, and these ambitious plans will ensure it continues to play an important role in the life of  the town for many decades to come.

“The Old Town Hall is both a potent symbol of Middlesbrough’s industrial heyday, and of the boundless ambition and aspiration we have for the future.”

Designed by adaptive re-use specialists Group Ginger, the scheme includes the removal of unsympathetic 1960s alterations, a new market-style extension, essential structural repairs and the full restoration of the original clock tower.

The scheme will carefully restore the original building, bring the original clock tower back into full working order, as well as remove the alterations introduced in the 1960s and introduce a new contemporary extension that complements the historic setting.

Once complete, the building will provide over 7,000 sq ft of high-quality office accommodation for Middlesbrough’s growing digital and creative sector, while preserving one of the town’s most important heritage assets.

Paul Hammerton, Managing Director at Walter Thompson, said: “This is a hugely important project for Middlesbrough and one we’re very proud to be delivering. Bringing a building of this significance back into use is about more than construction – it’s about respecting its history while making sure it has a sustainable future. We’re looking forward to working closely with Middlesbrough Council and the wider project team to see the Old Town Hall come back to life.”

The redevelopment forms part of Middlesbrough Council’s wider regeneration plans for Middlehaven, supporting the creation of a thriving waterfront community.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “St Hilda’s was Middlesbrough’s historic heart, and saw our town play a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.

“The Old Town Hall survives as a reminder of Middlesbrough’s incredible origins, and its influence will continue as a striking focal point of modern-day Middlehaven. “This is a year of real progress for Middlesbrough and we’ll be making further announcements over the coming months.”

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

www.heritagefund.org.uk