Award-winning Swindon-based contractor Beard has reached the next major milestone in its redevelopment of the historic Trowbridge Town Hall, with the installation of the new roof now underway.
Beard has installed temporary weatherproofing to avoid any water ingress during preliminary works. The team has now started on the base layer for the new roof of the Great Hall, with more than 250m² completed already. The roof is made up of two layers of insulation, cement board, plywood and slate for a significant improvement in both thermal and acoustic performance.
Roof works are set to continue over the coming months, along with the installation of a temporary bus shelter at the temporary bus stop in Silver Street.
Meanwhile, internal demolition has been ongoing and is nearing completion. Beard has knocked down the existing offices and internal walls, lift shaft and staircase to fully open up The Great Hall, while the removal of the suspended ceiling has revealed the original king roof trusses and vaulted ceiling.
In addition to removing the old cells and blockwork walls found in the basement, specialist stonemasons have begun the critical restoration and repairs to preserve the external stonework.
A cultural and creative hub
Beard remains on track to complete the multi-million-pound transformation in the summer of 2025. Once completed, the historic Grade II listed building will serve as a cultural and creative hub for the local community and an eye-catching live music venue.
Commenting on progress, Jamie Harwood, Director at Beard, said, “Work has been progressing very well at Trowbridge Town Hall and we thank the council, the local residents and all stakeholders for their patience and continued support. As we embark on this significant next step in the project timeline, we are working very hard to minimise disruption and keep everybody safe. Protecting this important building also remains a priority too.
“All parties can rest assured that the work being undertaken is many months in the making, with extensive planning, preparation and stakeholder engagement. This is built on our decades of experience in completing complex renovation and restoration projects, including high-profile listed buildings across the region and further afield. We look forward to sharing more progress very soon.”
Cllr Phil Alford, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for strategic assets, added, “Now that the Great Hall is fully opened up, it looks amazing and together with the roof works to improve acoustics it will make this a fantastic space for live music events in the future.
“One of our key aims is making sure our towns are resilient, ensuring our communities are able to grow sustainably with access to leisure, arts, heritage and culture. It’s great to see the Town Hall shaping up to be once again the landmark cultural venue in the centre of Trowbridge.”
Trowbridge Town Hall marks the latest project in the partnership between Beard and Wiltshire Council, which also includes the Grade II listed Corsham Mansion.
For more information, please visit: www.beardconstruction.co.uk.
