Latest news with #OldTownHall
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Tours delve into history of Middlesbrough's Old Town Hall
A symbol of a town's "Victorian heyday" is being shown off to visitors as part of an event detailing the area's in 1846, Middlesbrough's Old Town Hall has fallen into disrepair having been closed for almost 30 was replaced as the area's town hall in the 1880s, but went on to be used as a community centre and tours around the perimeter of the building are being held later as part of Middlesbrough's Local History Month. Middlesbrough Council described the hall as a "potent symbol of the town's Victorian heyday which saw it flourish as a powerhouse of the industrial revolution".However, the area's rapid expansion saw the population's needs outgrow the building, according to Claire Bell, the local authority's capital development manager."At one point it was the heart of civic life within the town, but a bigger town hall was later built and is the one we still use."The original was still used for a variety of functions, but it closed in 1996."It's in quite a state of disrepair and was added to the Save Britain's Heritage at-risk register in 2018, but because it's Grade II listed the council has always had an intention to make sure it was restored and repaired."Sitting between the town's Transporter Bridge and the Boho X offices in an area known to many as St Hilda's and others as Middlehaven, it is envisaged it could be brought back into use as a digital hub for start-up companies by October next year. The council has been awarded £4.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as a further £1.8m by the government."We haven't got a contractor yet, but we anticipate we'll be on site in the autumn," Ms Bell explained."We've got a strong digital cohort coming through Teesside University and we want to provide the opportunity for them to stay here and get a foot on the business ladder."More information about the structure, including a timeline and video, is available on the council's website. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bulwell former town hall flats plan set for approval
Part of a 19th Century former town hall in Nottingham could be converted into City Council's planning committee will consider proposals to redevelop Bulwell's Old Town Hall when it meets on Hillstar Investments Ltd wants to turn the second and third storeys of the 1877-built property into 12 apartments. Council planning officers have recommended permission be granted for the scheme. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the upper floors of the building, within the Bulwell conservation area, were vacant and the ground level housed businesses including an estate agent, tattoo parlour and florists. Planning documents lodged with the application said: "The proposed development would enable a building which is sustainably located to have a long-term use, which would safeguard its character to the benefit of both the building and wider conservation area."Additional reporting by Dan Martin
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Bromley named one of UK's top market towns to visit
Bromley has been named as one of the UK's best market towns with a well-connected market as well as nearby things to do for a day out. It was named as one of the best by Holiday and travel firm Independent Cottages, and towns are rated on several factors from age, number of museums and listed buildings and the ratings of their main markets on Google. Bromley came in at number five following Beverley in Yorkshire and was one of other south London areas including Richmond and Kingston-Upon-Thames. Bromley was described as a 'thriving' market town with plenty of 'traditional market character', as well as having plenty of retail shops and nearby entertainment. Bromley's market, located on the busy high street, is well situated next to the Glades shopping centre as well as nearby entertainment like parks, a theatre and a cinema. Bromley's market, located on the busy high street, is well situated next to the Glades shopping centre. (Image: Google) The market, which runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, sells a range of items from fresh produce to artisan products, and received a 4.2 rating on Google from people who shopped there. But aside from the shopping, Bromley also offers plenty of local parks like the popular Norman Park to explore, as well as relaxing villages like Downe, which was once home to Charles Darwin. The relaxing villages of Downe was once home to Charles Darwin. (Image: English Heritage) The town, which dates to 1158, earned its name from the native yellow Broom flower which was a common site in Bromley and even had a special 'Broom Day' to celebrate it. Bromley celebrated 'Broom Day' in honour of its namesake up until the year 1939. These Brooms can still be seen there today at Martin's Hill, which is a two-minute walk along Church Road behind Primark, between mid-April to the end of May. Bromley is also known for its history, with 430 listed buildings to see including the nearby Old Town Hall, which has since been converted into a hotel and events space. Bromley is also known for its history, with 430 listed buildings to see including the nearby Old Town Hall. (Image: Castleforge) It's also a great place to visit if you like local businesses, with 1,443 of them, which was another factor that landed Bromley in the top 5 market towns to visit. One of Bromley's most prime locations to find plenty of independent businesses is Chislehurst, which you can reach by bus from Bromley in 6 minutes, and is home to attractions like Chislehurst Caves which has been featured in TV shows like BBC's Merlin. The high street is home to a variety of independent shops, restaurants and cafes, with some of our highlights including Bank House restaurant and bar, and Cinnamon Culture – which has an extensive menu that caters to different dietary restrictions.
