Set to cost £22 million, the project would take 18 months and create 45,000 square feet of office space in the historic building.
The next step in the decision-making process is for the Secretary of State to approve the plan and, lastly, for the Council’s Chief Planning Officer to give it a green light.
As well as the new office space, the renovation would include a new reception area, conference area, and an internal ‘street’ feature of two stories. Additionally, the council chamber would also be refurbished were the plan to go ahead.
Matt Colledge, leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Town Hall requires an immediate programme of expensive repairs if it is to remain operational. Redeveloping now will prevent the building from going into further decay and will provide us with an opportunity to make millions of pounds worth of savings, money that will be used to support front-line services.”
Trafford Council claims that if the Town Hall were not to be completely redeveloped, it would be forced to spend £34 million over the next quarter century. In revamping the hall, the council says it will save at least £5 million.
While the hall is being refurbished, the council’s 650 staff will work out of Quay West on Trafford Wharf Road. According to the council, Quay West was chosen for its proximity to the MediaCityUK Metrolink and the Town Hall itself.
Trafford Council claim that the redeveloped office space in the Town Hall “will allow the Council to start introducing new ways of working, designed to increase efficiency and flexibility, and improve customer service.”
Editor’s notes: The redevelopment was completed in 2013 and involved demolishing the 1980s extension and creating 35,000 square feet of new sustainable office space accommodated within three, 2-storey wings.
The architects of the scheme were 5Plus, and the resulting space achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating and attracted several awards, including the RIBA North West Sustainable Building of the Year Award and the Mixology North Award in the Public Sector Interior Project category, among others.
The address of Trafford Town Hall is Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M32 0TH.
The original element of the hall became Grade II listed in 2007, and the official listing outlines that it was built of red Ruabon brick in Flemish bond on a steel frame.