THI Critical Project

The Town Hall

Renovation of the Stornoway Town Hall, a category B listed building, was the THI ‘critical project’. As the title implies, implementation of the project is considered ‘critical’ to the overall success of the Initiative.

The use of the Town Hall has changed considerably since it was first built. Much of the building is now not in civic use. The imminent departure of An Lanntair to its own purpose built space and other developments led to the setting up of a study to assess possible future uses for the town hall in 2005.

A mixed use proposal, which emphasises the building’s central importance to the town, was agreed.

The THI funding contribution enabled external repairs to and restoration of some of the original internal features. Making the building fully DDA compliant, and carrying out some internal conversion works was implemented by the Comhairle with separate funding ensuring a building more adaptable to new and additional uses.

The repair and restoration works were based on the original design and features of the building. A major part of restoring the character of the main hall was achieved by reinstatement of fourteen original rooflights providing natural lighting to the interior. In addition removal of the permanent stage allows the three stained glass, leaded windows in the west gable to be revealed, providing additional natural light. A new access to Carn Gardens was created.

The redevelopment of the Town Hall has created a flexible and accessible building for multi purpose use and offers mixed complementary services. The Registrars service was relocated upstairs with the former Town Chamber now the magnificent setting for the Marriage Room. The Town Hall also accommodates office space and a flexible space for meetings, exhibitions, theatrical performances, craft fairs, etc.

Retention of as much of the original architecture and fabric of the Town Hall as possible was a fundamental aim of the project. It will serve to promote, sustain and enhance the cultural traditions and heritage of the islands ensuring a sustainable future for the building.

The restored Town Hall was re-opened for use in 2012.

The proposals are shown in the pdf file below. The Word document is the accompanying Design Statement which sets out the reasoning for the proposals.