Its doors have been closed for nearly two years, but despite a number of delays Darlaston Town Hall is about to reopen to the public again following a £420,000 revamp.
And the Express & Star has been given an exclusive glimpse of the new-look town building before its official re-opening on June 12.
The town hall, situated in Victoria Road and which dates back to 1888, closed in 2006 amid health and safety concerns. Money to refurbish the building was promised, but there were delays and it seemed like it may never open its doors to the public again. But following a campaign by community leaders, including Councillor Bill Madeley, the building is something to be proud of once more.
The Victorian town hall has been given a total overhaul and the money has also been used to refurbish the town hall’s organ, which was given to the people of Darlaston as a gift by the Slater family in 1903. The organ, one of only two in the country, has been refurbished at a cost of £7,500.
Other work included roof repairs, rewiring and an updated kitchen. A new boiler has also been installed and new toilets.
Every room has been repainted and there is CCTV, ensuring the building is secure. Organist Mervyn Jones will play at the official re-opening ceremony being held on June 12 and he says he is looking forward to the town hall being packed again with people from the area celebrating the big occasion.
He said: “Around £7,500 has been spent on the organ and it is just fabulous to see it back to its original state. We are hoping many concerts and events will be staged here in the future. This is the beginning of a new dawn for Darlaston Town Hall.”
Councillor Madeley said he was delighted to see the town hall’s new look, adding the people of Darlaston should be proud. He said: “The town hall looks tremendous. They have really done a fantastic job. I have to say Walsall Council has done the people of Darlaston proud. There has been a few delays but we have finally got there.
“We want this to be the flagship venue not just for Darlaston but for the whole of the borough.”
The official opening is taking place on June 12 at 1.30pm, when a special concert organised by Mr Jones will take place. There will be a £1.50 admission charge for people on the day.
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