Architect appointed to Stretford Public Hall ballroom restoration

Architects Buttress have been appointed to restore the ballroom at the Grade II-listed Stretford Public Hall.

The hall was built in 1878 for the community by the philanthropists John and Enriqueta Rylands.

During the century that followed the building served a variety of roles including as a public library, public baths, a theatre, and council offices.

By 2014, the hall stood empty and was about to be put up for sale.

The Friends of Stretford Public Hall, a member-owned charitable organisation led by local residents, then stepped forward to save the hall and successfully secured the freehold of the building from Trafford Council in 2015.

Since then, the Friends have been fundraising and developing plans to restore the hall to its former glory and enhance its use as a community asset.

The ‘Ballroom Transformation Project’ is the second major programme of work to be delivered at the hall and will involve the complete restoration of the Victorian ballroom.

The aim of the project is to create a multi-functional space which can be used for a wide range of events and activities including theatre, live music, weddings and conferences.

This will allow the Friends of Stretford Public Hall to generate income which will be reinvested into the maintenance of the building and community activities.

Neal Charlton, director at Buttress, said: “The Friends of Stretford Public Hall are a passionate group of people who are dedicated to restoring and reinstating the hall’s place at the heart of the community.

“We look forward to working with them to deliver this exciting project, which will bring them one step closer to fulfilling their long-term vision for the building.”

Kate McGeevor, manager at the hall, added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Buttress and are really looking forward to working together.”

The work is being supported by a £68,000 grant from The Architectural Heritage Fund.