THE TOWN Hall in Ashton-under-Lyne will get a new look if planning permission to replace its steps is granted.
Tameside Council has applied to use some of the money it received from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to finance the project.
And according to documents and drawings, things may be slightly changed from its previous layout.
Instead of having four bannisters, the new entrance from the market place would have just two – one on each side – and the lamps that stood at the base would not be there.
It is the latest stage in bringing a building that has been mothballed for a decade back to life.
The cannons which once stood there will eventually be brought out of storage and out back in place, with extra protection to prevent access to them.
And documents set out what alterations will be made to the town hall’s south facade and why.
They state the steps are ‘in poor condition with weed growth and chipped nosing’ and the ‘current materiality is not in keeping with original design from 1840.’
They also detail why lighting arrangements would be changed.
It is added: “These items all contribute to making the Town Hall south façade steps unsafe and closed off from public access.
“The handrail design replaces the current retrofit design that doesn’t reflect the original 1840 step design intent.
“A bronze metal straight bar post and oval perimeter will sit to the perimeter of the plinths.
“Furthermore, the design has been considered to prevent access to the plinths. In the 1900s, planters were used a protection method to prevent public access on the plinths that displayed the cannons.
“Additional Straight bars have been designed to the handrail design towards the top of the steps spaced 100mm apart.
“The design intent is the prevent children climbing onto the plinths while also protecting the cannons if they are to later reinstated outside the Town Hall.
“As part of the proposed lighting upgrade to the Town Hall steps, a number of existing lighting elements are no longer required and will be removed.
“Four lighting columns located adjacent to the central handrails will be removed. These columns are currently redundant in the context of the new integrated handrail and overhead lighting solution and contribute visual clutter to the steps.
“Two floodlights mounted on the stone plinths either side of the steps will also be removed.
“These fixtures are superseded by the newly proposed column-mounted spotlights, which provide more targeted and efficient illumination.
“The removal of these elements will contribute to a cleaner visual composition.
“The local lighting elements installed directly on or adjacent to the steps is the handrail integrated lighting within the new handrails along the outer edges of the staircases.
“These provide direct illumination to step edges, improving visibility and safety for users, including those with low vision or mobility impairments.
“It also acts as a visual guide, drawing attention up the steps toward the entrance, reinforcing the axial symmetry and ceremonial approach to the town hall.”
While replacing steps and putting in new handrails will change the appearance at the Grade-II listed building, one issue will not change – birds.
Spikes are likely to be placed in areas above to prevent them roosting, but the documents relating to this application detail the issues faced.
They state: “Measures are kept at a minimum in order not to compromise the appearance of heritage assets.
“Column capitals are to be equipped with stainless steel spikes to prevent birds from perching on the capitals.
“The preferred fixing method is a silicone adhesive to minimise any damage to assets, subject to detail design.
“Windowsills, architrave and cornice at roof level: It seems reasonable not to do anything at this stage. Stainless steel spikes could be retrofitted anytime in the future.
“Porch: Access for pigeons here cannot be prevented within reason. A netting across the entrance arches to keep birds out would be visually detrimental and exposed to vandalism.
“The floor should be cleaned on a regular basis. The existing stainless steel spikes are proposed to be supplemented and/or replaced.
“Ultrasound: as a non-physical deterrent is not recommended in this location, since children, pets and bats could be affected.”
The application says gates situated at the top of the steps and at the entrance to the basement that were installed in 1980 ‘serve their purpose’ and will remain, with the latter adjusted to fit on to and over the step it sits on, ‘to tie into the site levels as designed as part of the Market Ground scheme.’
The cannons, which have been in storage after being removed while the town hall has been out of use, are mentioned, even though they are not part of this application.
And documents continue: “The extents of the works extend to the edge of the Town Hall Steps.
“Restoring the south façade steps would be relevant to the other works currently in progress.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee, or officers, will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.