Last chance to look in town hall for six years
MANCUNIANS have less than a fortnight left to visit the city’s iconic town hall before it shuts for six years.
The listed landmark will be given an all-singing, all-dancing send-off on Sunday, January 14.
Nearly 4,000 people are expected to attend a special open day.
It will close the following day for a £250m repair and maintenance programme that will include upgrades to its heating, electrical and lift systems, alongside urgent structural and restoration work needed to safeguard its long-term future.
The treasure is not then expected to reopen until 2024.
All 3,900 free tickets have now been snapped up for the open day - which will allow access not only to the building’s stunning state rooms but also the rare chance to hear its Great Hall organ played.
During the open day itself the town hall bells will ring between 8.45am and 10am, and 4pm to 5.15pm, before lord mayor Eddie Newman hands over the treasure’s keys to its restoration team.
But between now and then council bosses are encouraging the public to visit while they still can.
After its closure in-depth surveys - which have not been possible while the building is occupied - will then take place, ahead of the restoration and repair work itself.
Deputy council leader Bernard Priest said: “Manchester town hall is a symbol of Mancunian pride and a key part of the city’s heritage.
“When it re-opens we are determined to ensure that it is more of a visitor destination and that its civic treasures, which belong to and help tell the story of Manchester and its people, are more accessible.
“While it will be sad to see the building close for a number of years, it would be a tragedy if it was allowed to fall into disrepair, decay and disuse.
“At 140 years old, it is already seriously showing its age with many elements reaching the end of their natural lifespans. That’s why we are acting now to avoid that and ensure it remains a source of price for the city for generations to come.”
Staff have already been moved out of the landmark ahead of its restoration, including into the town hall extension. Coun Newman will then become the first lord mayor in the city’s history to be based in Central Library.