PLANNING chiefs are being asked to approve remedial work to the access gates to the West Annexe of historic Warrington Town Hall.
Proposals have been drawn up to carry out the work in keeping with the rest of the Grade 1 listed building.
Dating from 1750, the Town Hall – formerly Bank Hall, the stately home of local industrialist Thomas Patten – is considered by Historic England to be one of Warrington’s most important buildings.
The West Annexe is said to make a positive contribution to the overall significance of the site.
But part of the left hand gate pillar has been demolished because it had become a dangerous structure and the area is currently cordoned off with security fencing. A structural survey has concluded that the gated entrance has been subject to foundation settlement resulting in cracks appearing in the walls.
Although the repairs will alter the original design, they will improve stability and, outwardly, will appear unchanged. Historic England has raised no objections.
The scheme will involve the temporary removal of the gates which will be cleaned, painted and rehung.
Original bricks and stonework will be reused where possible.
