Work has been completed on the Colne Municipal Hall! We have worked hard to restore the building to its former grandeur. We first began this project as part of the levelling up scheme and involved a facelift and exterior refit, refurbishment of the interior and electrical and mechanical works. However, when work began on the building, we discovered extensive structural problems.
As is often the case, historic buildings can suffer from under funding and these structural issues can go unchecked, even those with such cultural and local significance. We immediately began work to resolve these problems, making the building safe, and ensuring its resilience so that it will endure for future generations to enjoy.
When working with historic buildings, we ensure that all of our work is completed sympathetically and using methods and materials as close to period appropriate as possible – but with the modern advancements to ensure that the work is long standing, quicker to complete and with current building and safety codes in mind.
Therefore, whilst ensuring the respect for the heritage and history of the building, we began work on the ceiling and repairing the old cornice work. We are fortunate that our contractors are already specialists on renewing lath and applying lime plaster with goat hair – a building process most used from the 1700’s to 1900’s. Reslating work has been completed on the roofs, and the bell tower timbers have been replaced in oak. Lintels have been replaced above windows where necessary, to ensure the structural safety of the building, and 8 tonnes of rubbish were cleared out of the loft space.
Structural work was completed on the balcony and ceiling supports, and the ceiling was replastered using lime plaster. The stage was repainted, wood graining was added to the bar, balcony and stage using the traditional scumbling methods; and the stage curtain and signage was repainted by a sign writer, the techniques used now having not changed over hundreds of years!
Gilding was added to the balcony, columns and coat of arms, mouldings and cornices were added, and lincrusta – relief wallpaper, added to the auditorium walls and balcony.
The changes, also including a new kitchen, furniture and decorations, have had a huge impact on the appearance and usability of the building. We cannot wait for the local community to return to this very important cultural institution.
We would like to thank the Pendle Borough Council with partners Pendle Leisure Trust and Liberata for their continued support.
We look forward to the local community returning to The Muni!
B&E Boys has a rich history of completing projects that benefit local communities, and we see this as an important aspect of our work in general. Past work includes a £1.5million National Lottery-funded transformation of The Whitaker in Rawtenstall, and the restoration of St Mary’s Chambers in central Rawtenstall. If you have a project in mind, please get in touch.
