Ossett Town Hall in 'desperate need' of refurbishment as £2m works revealed

The building, which also accommodates the town's library, will get a major facelift over the next year.

Parts of the town hall are visibly showing signs of wear and tear and any further damage could put its Grade II listed status at risk.

Repairs will be carried out across swathes of the building, the hall’s Queen Street entrance will be refurbished and a lift linking the ground and first floors will be installed.

Cash for the scheme is expected to be signed off by Wakefield Council next week.

Ossett Conservative councillor Angela Taylor said the hall was an important facility for the local community.

She said: “It’s in desperate need of refurbishment.

“We’ve been waiting for it for a long time, so we’re over the moon it’s finally going to get done.

“The council says they’re going to do a proper job - the whole building will get done - so it’s good news.”

The work will also see the library shifted upstairs from the ground floor and the lift will help make this accessible for the elderly and disabled.

The cash will come from a £10m fund the council is setting up to improve town centres across the Wakefield district.

Councillor Michael Graham, Cabinet member for corporate services, 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 business 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.”

Local Democracy Reporting Service