Middlesbrough Town Hall set to reopen following major £7.7m renovation

Middlesbrough Town Hall is set to open its doors this May allowing people to preview its £7.7m refurbishment.

The venue has undergone the biggest refurbishment in its 129-year history, restoring elements of the Grade II-listed building.

Middlesbrough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund have funded the capital investment project. This has meant the Town Hall has been closed to the public for almost two years while restorations have taken place.

Areas never previously accessible have been restored, including a Victorian courtroom sitting alongside the 1,600-seater auditorium.

As well as this, the venue is preparing for an opening month that is set to see the likes of Bruckner Linz Orchestra, Jason Manford and Russell Brand visiting the town.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund has invested £3.7m into the redevelopment.

![]( Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Ivor Crowther, head of HLF North East, said: “We’re proud that money raised by National Lottery players has enabled this iconic local landmark to be restored for the people of Middlesbrough and beyond.

“We are eagerly awaiting the official opening, which will afford access to areas never-before-possible, and secure Middlesbrough Town Hall’s future as a flagship heritage site.”

In addition to its expanded events programme, the Middlesbrough Town Hall team is planning brand new entertainment, participation and community events that mean there truly is something for everyone.

Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture and communities, added: “The fully restored Middlesbrough Town Hall is truly a venue for the 21st century, and one that will draw enthusiastic audiences from far and wide.

“It has been given a new lease of life as a major regional focal point for music, comedy and entertainment and I know it will be a big hit with audiences and performers alike.

“For the creative and the curious, for everyone who wants to feel inspired, welcomed and experience the very best in contemporary arts and culture, Middlesbrough Town Hall will be the place to be.”

As Middlesbrough Town Hall reopens, it also takes up a new status as a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England.

Coming into effect as of April 1, 2018, this new status means an extra £249k per year from 2018 to 2022 to support programmes, events and projects that encourage creativity, diversity and inclusivity for everyone in the town.

Jane Tarr, North director of Arts Council England, concluded: “We’re delighted that Middlesbrough Town Hall will be joining our National Portfolio for 2018-22 and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the restoration.

“The new Combined Authority for Tees Valley has shown a strong commitment to culture and I’m sure the Town Hall will be a valuable asset in providing both the community and visitors with a spectacular place to enjoy a wide variety of arts and cultural activity.”

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