Subject: Town Hall 'Restoration & Revival' Status: For Publication update Report to: Cabinet Date: Monday, 2 November 2015
Cabinet Member: Leader of the Council (and Lead for Regeneration)
Report of: Director of Economy Author: Jonathan Hindle
Author Email: [email protected] Tel: Tel: 01706927040
Comments from Statutory Monitoring Officer: Yes Officers: Section 151 Officer: Yes Key Decision: Yes
1 Purpose of the report
1.1 To update Members on the Rochdale Town Hall ‘Restoration & Revival’ project and works to date. This follows on from the previous report to Cabinet in September last year approving the preferred option for the re-use of the building.
1.2 To provide Members with a summary of the findings from the public consultation exercise undertaken in July 2015.
1.3 To seek Members approval to the draft Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Town Hall and to undergo consultation with key partners prior to adopting the CMP.
1.4 To seek Members approval to submit the first stage application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for partnership funding and support towards developing the detailed restoration and re-use proposals.
2 Recommendations
1.1 Members note the update on progress to restore the Town Hall in line with the approved strategy to enhance core activities and maintain the building
1.2 Members note the findings of the public consultation held in July.
1.3 Members approve consultation with key partners on the draft Consultation Management Plan (CMP) prior to its adoption.
1.4 Members approve that the submission to HLF of the first stage application on behalf of the Council be delegated to officers. 2 Background
Context
2.1 Rochdale Town Hall is probably the most iconic building in Rochdale borough and architecturally it is widely regarded as one of the finest town halls in the country.
2.2 In order to identify sustainable and appropriate future uses for the Town Hall and to maximise its potential as a cultural and heritage asset, Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) was commissioned to manage two complementary studies:
A Significance Appraisal (by the Architectural History Practice); and A Feasibility Study & Options Report (by BDP/Colliers International)
2.3 The outcome of both reports was reported to Cabinet in September last year with a number of options for the re-use of the Town Hall centred on maintaining and improving its main function as a venue. Members agreed the principle of the re-use and restoration and approved the preferred ‘hybrid’ option.
2.4 The proposal under the preferred ‘hybrid’ option agreed by Members is that the Town Hall will be an iconic venue, maximising the well-known assets such as the Great Hall and mayoral suite and restoring and converting the ‘lost’ spaces such as the police cells, fire station garages and old library spaces into new and exciting uses:
Creating a new ‘Lesser Hall’ In the 1950s, a mezzanine floor was added above the former library space on the second floor to create much-needed offices. The proposals is to remove the mezzanine floor to create added height and turn this space into a ‘Lesser Hall’ with its own access, bar and toilets. This hall could be used as a location for smaller functions and community events.
Converting the old police cells and fire station Once restored to its former glory, this section of the building could be converted into a bar/restaurant with the cells being used as booths for seating. It is proposed to renovate the fire station garages to create the reception area for the restaurant leading through into the cells. The changes will be in keeping with its original style, and will also create a better space for weddings and a new south-facing outdoor terrace area facing the park slopes and the parish church.
Restoration The restoration of the important pieces of art and decorative features, including stained glass windows and the impressive Magna Carta mural in the Great Hall are key to the plans to return the Town Hall to its former glory.
Extension of the Zodiac Bar The Zodiac Bar will be extended into the adjoining room, which is currently unused, to create a more efficient space.
Improved Town Hall tours and heritage interpretation HLF take a rounded view of heritage and as well as funding physical restoration works also places great on how that heritage is perceived by people and the community and enriches their lives. It is therefore important that people are able to better understand the history and significance of the Town Hall and see more of the building. It is proposed to extend the Town Hall tour to take in the ‘lost’ spaces and develop an interactive phone or tablet app to give people an insight into the building and the previous uses.
Improving accessibility It is proposed to provide additional lifts and improve the access between different sections of the ground floor and make existing and proposed entrances around the building accessible.
Other essential works Whilst there has been a limited programme of maintenance over the years, significant investment is required into new heating & electrical systems along with a restoration of the roof, walls and windows to ensure the building fabric is kept in good condition. This is essential in order to protect what is particularly significant about the Town Hall that is the outstanding internal decoration.
External works to Town Hall Square The proposals include works to restore and improve public realm around the Town Hall, rationalise the car parking and create a terrace around the east and south sides to allow improved access to the building.
Progress to date
2.5 Significant progress has been made in a number of workstreams since then:
Proposals & physical works The old boilers in the basement were replaced with modern efficient plant to reduce the likely hood of breakdowns, save on running costs and lower C02 emissions. The registrar’s area was refurbished to improve its attractiveness and to improve the way the public accesses the service. The Council Chamber has been refurbished to allow it to be let to other users and to help generate additional income as well as creating a more fitting place for civic meetings. This included installing energy saving LED lighting in the existing fittings that helps to highlight the highly decorated ceiling, and a more efficient heating system. New state of the art PA & IT equipment will improve sound and vision for all users of the chamber A new lift mechanism was installed to extend the lifespan of the existing lift originally fitted in 1905. A team of specialists undertook sample cleaning of the Magna Carta mural to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the signing of the document to establish the best way to restore and clean the magnificent original mural. Works to uncover the decorative painting in some key rooms (that had been identified as of high importance in the Significance Appraisal) was undertaken by heritage specialists. This helped to reveal the original painting scheme in areas that had been overpainted. This is important so that any changes proposed to the rooms do not cause any further damage and to allow sympathetic and appropriate restoration of the historic spaces. Safety measures (mansafe systems) were installed on various parts of the roof to enable a preventative maintenance programme to stop gutters becoming blocked that had previously caused water ingress in the Great Hall and the Council Chamber. The stained glass windows in most urgent need of repair were restored by a specialist contractor as recommended by Historic England. Initial fire safety measures were installed between the kitchen and bistro and initial planning work undertaken on a refurbishment and improvement of the café space that will be undertaken this financial year. Commissioned an in-depth Mechanical, Electrical and Public health (MEP) appraisal to identify best practice of how to integrate new electrical and heating systems within a Grade I listed building and careful removal of the existing services (especially in areas where ill-considered work was undertaken in the past that has damaged the listed building). Initial design work to identify improvements to the Zodiac Bar and public toilets.
Business development & marketing A package of new marketing material has been developed including a tour guide book, wedding brochure, branded menus and leaflets for special events. A successful wedding fair was held (and subsequently repeated) to advertise the Town Hall and registrar services and promote local businesses. This has helped to increase the number of bookings and variety of events held at the Town Hall. The building is already used for events like weddings, concerts, tours and tea dances but now that council staff have moved to Number One Riverside we have an opportunity to further develop this building as a community facility and visitor attraction. The popular new themed events including Alice in Wonderland tea party and murder mystery events have continued to attract new customers to the building alongside school proms, gala dinners, business exhibitions and charity events. The long term aim is to continue this and the proposed options allow better use of the building and potential to increase revenue income.
Consultation results
2.6 The proposals for the building were refined following the approval at Cabinet last year and Members agreed to undertake a consultation process on the Town Hall, both to widen awareness of the proposals and to test the options to inform the HLF bid and ensure it meets the community’s aspirations.
2.7 The plans and an 8 page leaflet produced for consultation with residents and businesses. The consultation was advertised on the Council’s website and the town centre website along with social media and an advert in the Rochdale Observer.
2.8 The events took place in July at the Town Hall and at Number One Riverside. The exhibition was conducted by RDA staff in conjunction with volunteers from the Friends of Rochdale Town Hall (FoRTH) group.
2.9 Overall, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive about the proposed plans. The restoration of the ‘lost spaces’ in particular the police cells and their re-use as a restaurant, and using the clock tower to create a new access to a medium sized hall (the Lesser Hall) gained the most interest. The questionnaire also sought respondents’ memories of times when they had visited the Town Hall in the past. Respondents raised the following general points:
Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
2.10 A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a document which explains why a place is significant and how you will sustain that significance in any new use, alteration, repair or management. It will guide the restoration process and the day to day use to ensure the building is managed appropriately in the future. It is vital that the Council shows best practice in the stewardship, the adaptation and restoration of the Town Hall.
2.11 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) require applicants to put in place a CMP in order to access its major funding programmes to be reassured of the long-term commitment for caring for the site after any new works are complete (10 years).
2.12 RDA working with the Town Hall FM team and technical services commissioned a Conservation Management Plan (CMP). The CMP will be used:
To inform conservation and repair work To inform architectural designs for the alterations of the building for future uses Enable the council to improve physical access to the site for the public Enable effective maintenance planning Ensure the most effective use of limited Council resources and funding Act as a resource on the history and context – to assist with interpretation and displays or marketing/promotion To act as a record of the building for future generations To help form working relationships with relevant organisations To support the HLF bid
2.13 The extensive report that builds upon the previous work of the significance appraisal extends to over 130 pages and a copy of the report is available for reference.
2.14 The draft CMP will be circulated to organisations including Historic England, HLF, The Victorian Society and FoRTH for comments prior to its adoption by the Council.
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Heritage Grant first-stage application
2.15 The Heritage Grants programme from HLF is for larger heritage projects of any kind. Applications go through a two-round process following the submission of an initial expression of interest:
Stage 1 – what the bid will include - general principles and development Stage 2 – detailed submission for delivery funding
2.16 The application process to HLF requires applicants to work up projects in 2 stages:
First-round Development Second-round Delivery phase application phase application If the stage 2 bid is Submit first-round If HLF approve the Submit second- approved, the main bid for the major 1st round bid we will round application restoration work will delivery grant to develop the detailed with detailed plans, commence in a HLF including a second-round costs activity plan phased approach. ‘development grant’ application (with the and business to fund working up HLF development model/plan. the proposals in grant and Council greater detail. match funding)
December 2015 Spring 2016 Autumn 2017 Spring 2018
*All timings are provisional and dependent on the HLF process
2.17 The project costs are split into the ‘development’ and ‘delivery’ phases, with funding potentially available from HLF for both stages. This needs to be matched with the Council funding and other potential additional external funding (see section 4 Financial Implications). 2.18 HLF expect a minimum of 10% match (partner funding) towards the eligible costs of the project. The Council must ensure that the minimum funding match requirement is available in order to deliver the project. This will need to be confirmed to the HLF as part of the stage 2 submission.
2.19 The development phase costs relate to undertaking a full conditions survey, 3D laser scan measured survey, appointment of conservation architects and advice for mechanical and electrical services, specialist acoustic advice (for the Great Hall and other meeting rooms). This will enable the plans to be developed beyond the current concept stage to gain Listed Building consent and to tender stage (RIBA stage 4).
2.20 Due to the level of investment required in this major restoration project, this project falls into HLF’s national funding programme and the deadline for the first stage application is the 1st December 2015.
2.21 A number of joint meetings have been held with HLF and Historic England (formerly English Heritage) to discuss priorities for investment in the borough. They welcomed the relationship between the potential new or enhanced internal functions and the immediately adjacent space around the building. Importantly they also appreciate the scope for a comprehensive approach to the public realm following on from the river re- opening scheme currently under construction extending around the environs of the Town Hall.
2.22 Work is also underway with partners including Touchstones, the Pioneers Museum and Fire Station museum as part of a broader approach to promoting Rochdale’s visitor economy. The work has highlighted that they all see the restoration of the Town Hall as an important way to boost overall engagement with the borough’s heritage.
2.23 HLF welcomed the priority that the Council attached to the Rochdale Town Hall project and discussed the scope for a major funding bid. In the light of other heritage funding bids arising within the Borough, HLF made it evident that the Council would need to be clear about the relative priorities for strategic heritage investment in order to maximise Rochdale’s potential success with future funding bids.
2.24 As part of the application, HLF expect the Council to commit to funding the running costs of the building for the next 10 years. As part of this the CMP sets out policies for its management.
The first-round HLF application
2.25 The Town Hall restoration and revival bid needs to be submitted to HLF by the 1st of December 2015. The first round seeks information under the following headings:
Activities
2.26 Who is involved – the project is led by RDA with colleagues in RBC. Regular meetings with the friends of Rochdale Town hall (FoRTH) along with input from the ROCH group, Cooperative Heritage Trust & Cooperative College, Link 4 Life cultural trust and the GM Fire Service Museum
2.27 The nature and range of activities will be included in an “activities plan” that will be prepared with the FoRTH group and others to engage people with the Town Hall, the town centre and to celebrate the borough’s heritage assets. Capital work
2.28 The first stage application will include the proposed concept plans for the Town Hall (appended) along with initial information about how interpretation of the building and its history will be made available within the building and through the use of technology.
2.29 The delivery (capital) costs for the restoration and revival of the Town Hall are primarily the physical restoration and adaptation works and are currently predicted to be in the region of £13.5-£16m.
Project outcomes
2.30 HLF expect the project to make a difference as result of the changes in 3 key areas:
What difference will it make for heritage? What difference will it make for people? What difference will it make for communities?
2.31 Rochdale Town Hall is the jewel in the Borough’s built heritage. The project will open up this magnificent example of Gothic revival architecture to local residents and visitors, bringing new life to redundant spaces. The Council's move to its new purpose built offices Number One Riverside offices at part of the wider £250m regeneration of the town centre is a huge opportunity to restore and make much better use of the building, relevant to the community and secure this outstanding heritage asset for the future.
2.32 The Town Hall project will complement the previous HLF investments at Touchstones, the Pioneers Museum and most recently the river re-opening.
Project management
2.33 The development stage works will be overseen by RDA with RBC using existing resources and specialist advisors where necessary.
2.34 The anticipated key phases are:
Development phase - Spring 2016-2017 Main capital works - Early 2018 for 2 years
2.35 Projects of this nature involving heritage buildings are often challenging and complex. The work to date has given a level of understanding of the building however more detailed surveys and work will be undertaken during the development stage to minimise the risk to the Council of cost and time over runs.
After the project ends
2.36 As part of the application, HLF expect the Council to commit to funding the running costs of the building for the next 10 years. As part of this the CMP sets out policies for its management.
2.37 An important part of the project is to ‘upskill’ existing staff who will be involved in the ongoing maintenance of the building to ensure the capital investment made in restoring and making better use of the building is protected. HLF place great importance on training and development, both of staff and volunteers. We intend to work with the colleges and through the FoRTH group to provide opportunities throughout the project.
2.38 An important part of the process is engaging the public in the project and producing an activity plan. It is intended that this will be led RDA & RBC with support from specialist heritage advisors where necessary. It will focus upon:
Interpretation (including events) Education Community engagement/participation Volunteering Training Marketing
2.39 The project will give apprenticeship and volunteer opportunities and build the skills necessary to Council staff to maintain the building effectively into the future.
Alternatives considered
2.40 A phased funding approach – the potential for a smaller HLF bid to the regional committee (under £2m) to develop the ‘Lesser Hall’ and a further national bid for the remaining stages of the project were considered. On advice from HLF officers it was considered that this was not the optimum option.
2.41 Council – the council funds the entire restoration
2.42 Other sources of funding are also being explored however HLF funding is the most realistic and appropriate option. If the Council chose not to build on the HLF’s previous investment in projects to conserve and enhance the heritage of the town centre (river- reopening, Pioneers Museum and Touchstones) by bidding, it would miss out on opportunities to transform the Town Hall, to bring in additional income or to attract external funding. This would not create a sustainable and vibrant future for the building in the long term.
2.43 “Do nothing” option - The Council would have to find resources from its capital programme to undertake only essential works to ensure the building is safe and weathertight. The costs for this alone are c. £4.5m including a full roof restoration, replacement of mechanical and electrical systems. Whilst this would maintain the existing situation the building would still be under used and requiring significant capital investment for other maintenance, repairs and improvement to access and ‘core’ areas. It would still require an ongoing annual revenue subsidy.
3 Financial Implications
3.1 The preferred option has been developed following the approval by Cabinet and was widely supported at the public consultation.
3.2 There are financial implications for the Council of submitting the bid i.e.
Stage 1- RBC must commit match funding for the development costs. However at this stage neither the Council or HLF is committed to delivery costs
Stage 2 – RBC must commit the match for the delivery stage if HLF approve the application. 3.3 The outline project costs for the preferred option were calculated between £13.5m & £16m including allowances for fees, inflation and contingency as part of the feasibility study.
3.4 Additional work is currently being undertaken by RBC to refine the costs in readiness for the bid submission but it is anticipated that it will be within the upper limit of this range. However, in order to get a higher degree of certainty of the costs it is necessary to undertake a full conditions survey, specialist investigations and detailed design work. This work will be completed as part of the ‘development phase’ (the period in between the stage 1 and stage 2 bid submission) if HLF approve the stage 1 application.
3.5 The stage 1 application bid to HLF is for an £11m contribution towards the overall costs.
3.6 The Council is required to make a minimum 10% commitment towards the overall costs of the scheme and to commit annual revenue for 10 years following successful bid. Whilst the current pressures on Council finances are acknowledged, the Council has obligations and responsibilities towards the Town Hall which means that it will need to invest regardless of any development scheme to prevent further deterioration of the building. The potential for HLF funding therefore represents an opportunity for the Council to maximise its current funding allocated towards the adaptation and restoration of the building. It is therefore felt to be an efficient use of these resources to invest them as match funding for this wider development scheme.
3.7 The Council has already committed resources from its capital programme (2014-17), as part of the long-term planning to bring this scheme forward. A proportion of this funding has already been invested / committed towards essential maintenance and necessary improvements to improve the core business offer (boiler replacement, fire safety measures, Council Chamber and Bistro improvement works).
3.8 As a consequence, at least £1.5m of the Council’s funding currently allocated towards the adaptation and restoration of the building needs to be reserved for match funding. We therefore propose to delay some adaptation and restoration work in order to maximise the potential match funding.
3.9 Additional funding opportunities will be explored such as trust funds, other major funders and innovative funding opportunities. For example a “crowd source” appeal would allow businesses and individuals to invest in restoring the 340 ceiling panels in the Great Hall.
3.10 The feasibility stage of the project carefully considered the potential to generate additional revenue in order to reduce the long-term revenue burden on the Council. However there will be some additional costs both in terms of increased staffing and running costs through bringing large parts of the building that are currently under- utilised back into use. The costs will be offset by more efficient heating, lighting systems and use of IT.
3.11 A full business plan will be developed as part of the next stage in order to fully understand the implications. It is currently anticipated that increased costs can be met within the Council’s overall medium term financial plan.
4 Legal Implications
5.1 As a Grade I Listed Building Listed Building Consent will be required for demolition (part or total), all proposed alterations, extensions or repairs to either the main listed building or to any ‘curtilage listed’ building or structure. This applies to both the exterior and interior of the main or curtilage listed building or structure.
5.2 Where Listed Building consent has been granted, a series of 'conditions' will normally be attached to the Decision Notice. Many of these 'conditions' will require the submission of further details, and written agreement on these details by the Council, before any works commence on site.
5.3 If a 'change of use' is proposed, Planning Permission will be required. Where exterior works would materially alter the character or appearance of the building Planning Permission will also be required. In effect this means that most proposed works of alteration or extension to the exterior will also need Planning Permission.
5.4 The Council will have to consider its obligations in relation to its duties under the Equality Act 2010. It does not override other legislative provisions such as Listed Buildings Consent and cannot require anything to be done that would contravene another piece of legislation. However, the Council will continue to have obligations to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 in the delivery of its services from the Town Hall as a listed building.
6 Personnel Implications
5.5 There are no personnel implications as a consequence of this report.
5.6 A full business plan is required to be developed as part of the HLF development phase. Should this indicate that a different operating model be developed this could have the potential for the possible transfer of Town Hall based staff. TUPE regulations would need to be considered and the trade unions would be advised and consulted as this stage.
7 Corporate Priorities
5.7 The development of the Town Hall as the centre piece of the historic core of the town centre and part of a wider heritage strategy for the borough is fundamental to the key priorities of the Council’s Corporate Priorities for 2015-16.
5.8 People – the Town Hall is well loved by the people of Rochdale and many have an association with it. The building is used by residents for awards presentation ceremonies and charity and music events.
5.9 Place – civic pride in our heritage and landmarks is a key component of the corporate plan. By giving greater public access to the iconic Town Hall will help to deliver its priorities such as improving residents’ sense of wellbeing and community cohesion. The Town Hall offers a powerful opportunity to draw in investment from outside the borough and to promote the attractions of the wider town centre to visitors.
5.10 Prosperity – The Town Hall project is symbolic of the desire to create a borough that is Creates high quality buildings and public spaces Helps to promote investment in prosperity and jobs Outward looking and confident 5.11 Public Service Reform – The financial challenges facing the Council requires a change to the delivery of services. Whilst there is a significant capital investment required in order to bring about the restoration and re-use of the Town Hall, this can be phased over a period of time and the Council will be able to realise revenue savings in the long term. The transfer of to a different model of operation could also help to reduce operational costs.
8. Risk Assessment Implications
5.12 All the issues raised and the recommendations in this report involve risk considerations as set out below. The main risks associated with the Town Hall are:
Risk Control HLF stage 1 bid not approved or Consultation has taken place with HLF case application delayed. officers and whilst this possibility exists; the risk of a total rejection is considered low as the Town Hall is a Grade I building and part of the wider heritage offer of the town centre.
The more realistic possibility is that the bid may be delayed due to HLF prioritising other schemes or requesting additional information prior to making a decision. Such delays will impact on the delivery timescales of the project and necessitate Council match funding to be retained into future financial years. Ongoing discussion with HLF will be required to ensure the project meets their funding priorities and expected outcomes. HLF full award not made. Consultation has taken place with HLF case officers and whilst this possibility exists; it should be noted that HLF grant awards are based on a percentage of the costs that are eligible for grant support, including restoration of features and historic building fabric.
A higher risk is that a reduced level of HLF financial support could be approved if expenditure on restoration is undertaken prior to award of the grant. Any spending by the Council prior to making the bid is unable to be considered as ‘match’ funding. RBC match funding is eroded by RBC match funding is already allocated for cost of on-going maintenance and this project. Requests for work or emergency repair works repairs are assessed and only undertaken if essential. Revenue costs – HLF or other Whilst the options have shown that the funders are unwilling to support a bid current revenue funding will be reduced, if the Council does not continue to funders will require confidence that the underwrite the revenue position. ongoing revenue support will be maintained by the Council (where necessary). A more detailed business plan will be developed as part of the HLF stage 2 bid in order to reduce the risk. Risk Control Capital costs - the cost of the overall As the detailed HLF bid is developed, the scheme is greater than the identified project team will ensure the costs are cost estimate. examined in detail to reduce the need to allow for major risk items. These include items such as the replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems (M&E), roof works and the restoration of the decorative scheme in the areas of highest significance. An outline conditions survey has identified the main risk areas however a full conditions survey will reduce the risk at the next stage . As firmer prices are obtained from contractors e.g. specialist conservators, the overall cost will be crystallised. However, the risk remains that expenditure in excess of the identified costs may be needed. Increase in scope - any The initial cost estimates prepared by requirements that emerge from the specialist historic cost consultants Appleyard development phase. & Trew include provisional restoration and adaptation costs for all the options. Further work to align the costs with the most recent proposals has been undertaken by RBC’s QS team with input from Appleyard & Trew.
As the scheme is developed in further detail, reports will be brought to Cabinet to include changes that have financial consequences. The costs relating to restoration of A specialist art conservator has been the decorative artwork in the building engaged to assess the condition of the (e.g. Magna Carta) exceeds budget decorative artwork and to help understand allowance - Identify programme of the costs involved. Priority for restoration is work. based on the significance appraisal recommendations and condition. Allowances have been made a part of the cost plan, however full tender costs will be required at the next stage to mitigate the risk of increases. Asset Management Programme As the Town Hall is a Grade I listed building (Capital funding) – Council and Rochdale’s most recognisable asset, the determines not to pursue a capital Council has a duty to ensure that there is a programme due to budget maintenance regime to an appropriate pressures. standard to protect the fabric of the building (as a minimum). It is expected that funding will be identified separately from the AMP specifically for the Town Hall so there is a transparent record of investment in the Town Hall and monitoring is centralised to assist in the HLF process.
The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) will help to mitigate unexpected repair costs by identifying areas of risk. Risk Control Ongoing maintenance regime is not The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) managed or funded effectively in has been drafted in line with accepted future. heritage practice for the ongoing management of the building. The next steps include a full conditions survey and ongoing Quinquennial review (5 yearly) to allow for early identification of issues to ensure a timely maintenance response is put in place to prevent potential higher repair costs and damage to historic fabric (e.g. from water ingress). Programme delays – given that the Ongoing monitoring of the programme and Town Hall will remain operation discussions with the HLF to ensure during the implementation of the conditions are met. adaptation and restoration programme, the work will necessarily have to be undertaken in phases. Disruption Officers will liaise with contractors and Town Hall operations and Registrar’s to minimise disruption during the various phases of work. A communication plan will be developed to inform residents, members, businesses and visitors of any potential disruption.
9. Equalities Impacts
9.1 Workforce Equality Impacts Assessment
There are no (significant) workforce equality issues arising from this report.
9.2 Equality/Community Impact Assessments
The following equality/community issues arise from the issues raised and the recommendation(s) in this report involve risk considerations as set out below:
Maximise the enjoyment and use of the Town Hall building for all users: o Adaptations to the Town Hall and the Town Hall Square public realm must be undertaken in such a way that takes account of needs of disabled users. This will be controlled by a comprehensive access and safety audit and discussion on the designs with disability organisations (such as RADAG) where appropriate. o As well as physical improvements to aid access for all users throughout the building, such as new lifts, the Conservation Management Plan will be implemented where physical improvements cannot be made such as the staircase to the Great Hall due to its significance. o Create guidance on for all staff, and in particular those in customer facing roles, about areas of responsibility regarding disabled access requirements set out in the Equality Act 2010, Implement an emergency evacuation procedure in picture format to help overcome possible language barriers andinclude Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled visitors.
Raising awareness of the facility with local residents and visitors / groups that do not currently use the Town Hall by: o Developing stronger relationships with community groups. Create and implement an Audience Development and Marketing Plan as part of the HLF bid process. o Reaching those who don’t currently use the service, finding out why and trying to overcome any of those barriers. o Pricing strategy to allow community access so that it is not a barrier for people on benefits. o Work with Link 4 Life and Touchstones as well as the Friends of Rochdale Town Hall (FoRTH) and Rochdale Cultural Heritage (RoCH) groups to raise awareness and understanding of the Town Hall across all audiences.
Background Papers Document Place of Inspection Conservation Management Plan (CMP) RDA offices Appendix
Rochdale Town Hall Consultation summary
Like: Architecture, iconic building, grandness, splendour Weekly tea dance Entrance – magnificent Mayors Parlour Plans to improve Staircase Windows Magna Carta Stonework and carvings
Needs improving: Disabled access - lifts Access into the building front & back Toilets need upgrading, and having extra toilets on each floor Great Hall – ceiling, sound system, lighting Bar area Café / Bistro upgrade Restore the rooms and wall art works General maintenance and cleaning Advertising of events Publicity of current events e.g. murder mystery night, children’s holiday events Publicity of current uses e.g. Bistro
Other events / things would like to see: Music events Family entertainment/events Community events Guided ghost tour Fine dining Arts & exhibitions Craft fair/antique/ vintage fair Shows and small productions (NB a theatre was considered during the feasibility study, but would not be achievable in the space available) More use from schools – education and proms Picnic area Other dancing events / lessons Themed events in-keeping with the building e.g. Victorian Heritage days Make space available for groups to use More full wedding packages Open some weekends