Arts Council backs major upgrade of Middlesbrough Town Hall

Middlesbrough Town Hall will receive £2.59 million from Arts Council England for essential repairs, including work to the roof, stonework, and windows.

The funding forms part of the £8.4 million Creative Foundations Fund, supporting seven venues across the North East.

Chris Cooke, Mayor of Middlesbrough, said: “This is fantastic news and a major investment in our Town Hall.

“We are grateful to Arts Council England for their support in helping us to protect and improve one of our most important cultural venues.

“The town hall plays a central role in Middlesbrough’s cultural life and this funding will help us continue to build momentum towards our bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029.”

The Arts Council funding will be matched by a £2 million investment from Middlesbrough Council to ensure the long-term viability of the Grade II listed building.

Rebecca Ball, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said: “Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life.

“I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”

Additionally, the council will fund upgrades to the town hall’s sound and lighting systems, as well as accessibility improvements.

Once completed, the work is expected to boost energy efficiency and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.

Philippa Storey, deputy mayor of Middlesbrough and executive member for culture, said: “The funding award recognises the value of this much-loved venue and helps to secure its future and the wide range of events it hosts.

“The town hall is an incredible building which sits at the heart of Middlesbrough’s cultural offer and I want to thank Arts Council England for their support.”

Designed in the 13th-century French Gothic style, Middlesbrough Town Hall was opened in 1889 by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

It now hosts hundreds of cultural events each year while also serving as a civic headquarters for some council operations and official meetings.

Elsewhere in the town, restoration work is under way at Middlesbrough’s original town hall, built in 1846.

That project is supported by a £4.5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.