Work has commenced to refurbish Ossett Town Hall.
The project will relocate the library from its current, temporary home on the ground floor, to a larger, refurbished and more suitable location on the first floor. This will enable a better and more efficient library service for the local community. Works also include the installation of a new lift allowing access for all to the first floor.
Extensive and much needed restoration works will also be carried out to the roof, clock tower and stone repairs along the parapets. Funding has also been secured to install new lighting to the roof, clock tower and first floor decorative stonework, highlighting the restored features on this prominent local landmark.
Cllr Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for property, said: “The preservation of Ossett Town Hall is really important to our residents.
“Plans to make the building more accessible and relocate the library have already breathed new life into one of the town’s most prestigious landmarks and this further repair and refurbishment will enhance that experience further.
“We can create better use of space to accommodate community groups and local businesses and make the building more attractive for events and shows – we want to make the Town Hall the heart of the town centre and preserve it for future generations.”
Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “I’m pleased that work is getting underway to create an improved library service for the people of Ossett.
“The new lift will open the library service and first floor space up to everyone, making the Town Hall more accessible for all.
“Investing in the Town Hall will help sustain this historic building as well as giving residents a larger, refurbished library service in a more suitable location on the first floor.”
Ossett library will continue to open during its normal hours whilst the work takes place, except on a Wednesday when it will close. The activities that usually take place that day, the weekly story time, readers and craft groups will relocate to Horbury library, from 7 September 2022.
Customers whose events or services might be affected by the work will be contacted and the Council will work with them to minimise disruption. The flea market will remain open during the works.
The clock bell will be silenced during the works to ensure the safety of contractors. The chime will be restored upon completion of the roof restoration.
The library and lift works are expected to be finished by November this year, with the full building works expected to be completed by the end of year.
