June 24 2024

Mast Architects have detailed their plans for the conversion of Motherwell's C-listed Old Town Hall to provide 20 flats for social rent.

Sweeping changes will require partial demolition of the main hall down to 2.5m, capped and retained as a courtyard garden and amenity. Damaged walls will be repaired with slate cladding and a metal band aligning with the original window level.

This will dovetail with renovations to the landmark clock tower and its distinctive lead dome, previously thought to be copper, which will either be cleaned or replaced subject to a condition survey.

The changes are justified by the need to find a sustainable future for the heritage asset, a key element of North Lanarkshire Council's town centre regeneration programme and will limit visible interventions to the secondary rear facade to improve light and ventilation for future tenants.

In an architectural statement, Mast wrote: "Demolition of the existing hall will result in the exposure of internal masonry walls, and provide a significant quantity of salvageable building material.

"To protect newly exposed rubble masonry, it is proposed to apply salvaged slate cladding to all elevations facing onto the courtyard. In addition to protecting surfaces that were never intended to be exposed to weathering, the cladding will also provide aesthetic unity and make use of existing traditional material."

A general programme of improvements will include the removal of inappropriate cement pointing and the replacement of UPVC windows with traditional timber.

Homes will meet Housing for Varying Needs and Lifetime Homes standards with barrier-free access and sufficient space to permit different living arrangements, storage and a home office.  

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