Restoration project for Town Hall could reach £450m

Sheffield City Council has revealed that revamping and repairing the historic Town Hall may cost as much as 450 million. The Grade I listed building, inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1897, currently requires around 700,000 annually for essential maintenance and urgent repairs.

Senior councillors are reviewing proposals for a comprehensive restoration, which would be financed through a combination of borrowing, revenue from events, and heritage grants. Janet Ridler, the council's heritage lead, emphasized that the work aims to keep the Town Hall "central to Sheffield life for decades ahead."

Funding discussions are ongoing with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and additional money could be raised by selling other council-owned properties, according to a council spokesperson. A recent report to the councils strategy and resources committee suggested that a full restoration could prove more cost-effective over time and enhance the buildings use for the local community.

The projected cost of the full restoration is estimated to fall between 340 million and 450 million. Urgent repairs were conducted in 2022 after the council identified fire safety hazards, waterborne legionella risks, inadequate ventilation in the council chamber, and leaks from an old diesel tank.

An initial feasibility study in 2022 placed the estimated cost of necessary restoration and safety upgrades between 20 million and 50 million. If councillors approve moving forward on 10 December, a detailed roadmap will be developed to guide the Town Halls restoration process.

In May, architects were engaged to carry out a detailed study of the Town Halls history and condition. Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, highlighted the buildings importance: "The Town Hall is central to Sheffields democracy and community life. This is a major opportunity to make it sustainable, accessible, and prepared for the next century, reinforcing the city centres ongoing regeneration."

Author: Ava Mitchell