Bid for changes at historic Calderdale landmark so more people can use it
Plans for alterations to ramp and stair railings at a Grade I listed Calderdale building have been submitted.
Calderdale Council is asking its planners to grant listed building consent for the changes to allow more people with limited mobility to get into Todmorden Town Hall.
The 19th century building, built by the town’s biggest cotton magnates the Fielden family, was designed by John Gibson, who was an assistant to Sir Charles Barry, assisting him with the drawings for the Houses of Parliament.
The external ramps and stairs with handrails already have relevant planning approvals, but new consent needs to be obtained because some alterations are necessary.
These relate to ensuring people, particularly those with limited mobility, can use them safely, say supporting statements with the application.
The proposed balustrades and handrails will follow the design and external finish of existing ones around Todmorden Town Hall, mounted to new ramp and stair structures, say supporting papers with the application.
Increasing use of Todmorden Town Hall is one of the reasons for some ongoing changes, say the papers.
“Todmorden Town Hall’s original purpose in 1875 was the administrative and judicial hub for the town.
“Although this is still the case in small part today with Todmorden Town Council and Calderdale Council, for the building to remain viable, its focus needs to be on community events, weddings, entertainment, conferencing and tourism.
“The aim of this proposal is to ensure new elements that improve building accessibility are appropriate, fit-for-purpose and serve the communities needs in as many ways as possible,” the council says.