Funding has been awarded for the repair of Towneley Hall in Burnley as part of the Government’s Cultural Investment Fund.
Announced by the Arts Council, a grant of £890,000 will help fund essential repair work at the historic Hall through the Museum Estate and Development Fund.
Commenting on the announcement Antony Higginbotham MP said:
Our history and heritage is what makes our borough so special, and Towneley Hall is a huge part of that. It sits at the heart of our area, welcoming visitors from far and wide, and it’s loss would be felt by every one if us.
That’s why this funding was needed so badly. It means local council tax payers aren’t on the hook and represents huge investment in Burnley by government & Arts England.
I am very grateful to Arts England and DCMS Ministers who I spoke to about the bid, and look forward to seeing the renovation works start soon.
The vital repair works at the hall will include:
- Re-roofing and replacing gutters and down pipes to ensure that the hall is watertight and can cope with the increase in high-rainfall events caused by climate change
- Treating dry rot in the north tower and art gallery
- Repairs to the 18th Century ornate plaster ceiling in the great hall
- Repairs to high-level stonework and parapets
- Supporting the ceiling of the ground floor regency rooms
The council is currently tendering the repair contract and it is expected that work will start this autumn and be completed in late 2024/early 2025.
The hall, which is a popular visitor attraction and considered the “jewel in Burnley’s crown”, is expected to remain open to the public whilst the work is carried out, although some parts will have to be closed off at times to allow repairs to go ahead.
