A CONTRACTOR has been appointed for a costly refurbishment project at Christchurch Town Hall.

Greendale Construction will be doing remedial roof works and an internal refurbishment to the building at 30 High Street.

The repair project is expected to cost more than £234,000, with Christchurch Town Council having allocated an earmarked reserve of £230,000.

Advertising for a tender took place between May and June with details of the works shared on the local authority’s website.

The project includes redecorating, re-painting, fitting a new kitchen and carpets, and new flooring.

A new boiler and LED lighting will also be installed.

Bournemouth Echo: Christchurch High Street and Town HallChristchurch High Street and Town Hall

There are also repairs needed to ceilings within the mayor’s parlour where there has been water damage.

Externally, the stone bottles on the front balcony of the building are to be replaced “like for like”, and the metal frame balcony doors are to be redecorated.

All the timber windows of buildings will be redecorated.

Changes will also be made to the main entrance door of the town hall, with a new “finish” and “colour” to the town council’s approval.

A number of issues relating to the roof and guttering were flagged during two roof surveys that took place at Christchurch Town Hall in March 2020.

While the roof slating was said to be in a “fair condition”, much of the leadwork was described as needing “immediate attention” and being “detrimental to other areas.”

Bournemouth Echo: Photos of the town hall roof taken during the roof survey in 2020Photos of the town hall roof taken during the roof survey in 2020 (Image: UK Restoration Services)

The parapet walls that surround the building at roof level were flagged as being in “poor condition”, and its stone bottles were “suffering from masonry decay” and were “unsafe”.

The survey conductor then produced a list of “the minimal works required” to ensure the roof offers weather protection.

Christchurch Town Council met on June 26 to discuss the town hall project.

Members reviewed the tender options and evaluated each one before deciding to appoint Greendale Construction.

It is not known when the works are due to begin.