Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, a cherished Victorian landmark, is set to undergo crucial repairs to address extensive water damage that has marred the interior, particularly within the council chamber. A prominent metre-high patch of peeling plaster and faded paint has detracted from the hall’s dignity, visible behind the podium where public speakers address the North Somerset Council.
The proposed restoration will focus on the “localised repair of water-damaged plasterwork and decorative finishes” throughout several key areas of the historic building. This includes carefully removing damaged plaster, replacing it with lime-based materials that match the original construction, and repainting in colors and finishes faithful to the hall’s heritage.
Beyond interior repairs, essential measures will be taken to protect the building’s structural integrity and prevent further deterioration. These include lifting the roof covering to replace rotted timbers, installing new guttering to improve water drainage, and adding mesh barriers to deter birds. Safety enhancements, such as a new gantry and a fall-arrest system, will also be installed in the loft spaces above both the old and new council chambers.
READ MORE: Local Village School Receives £150,000 to Expand Nursery Capacity by 50%
READ MORE: Menace e-scooter riders are putting people in danger
North Somerset Council has submitted an application for listed building consent to its own planning department, underscoring the importance of preserving the Grade II listed town hall’s historic and architectural character. According to the application, every effort will be made to carry out necessary alterations in a way that minimizes harm and promotes the building’s ongoing role as a vital civic hub.
More than just a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, the town hall embodies the region’s long history of local governance and community pride. Since opening in 1859, and through its function as the seat of the district council from 1894 onward, it has remained central to the public life of Weston-super-Mare. Today, it continues to host meetings for both North Somerset Council and Weston-super-Mare Town Council, cementing its status as a treasured civic asset.