The Decision to Build

The battle of the sites

With the decision taken to go ahead, what became known as The Battle of the Sites began.
By 1859 seven potential locations for the new Town Hall were on the table. Some were occupied by old and derelict buildings such as Town Head House, The Wood, The Orchard and The Butts House. Others were the Wellington Hotel site and land enclosed by Packer Street, South Parade, King Street and Fleece Street.

Decision time

At last, after four years, the council chose the site occupied by a house called The Wood and Roch Foundry. The site was bought for £5,225.
The location was described by Ruskin as being a “havoc of ruin… the furnaces of the city foaming forth perpetual plagues of sulphurous darkness…” Quite a recommendation!

Touring town halls

With the decision to build made, the next hurdle was to figure out what they wanted. How big a building, what would it look like and how much should it cost?
So, led by Councillor Ashworth, the sub- committee began a tour of Town Halls in the region, visiting Leeds, Halifax, Blackburn and Preston.

A plan of action

They reported back with their views on the size, layout and the rooms that were needed. These included an office for the Police Superintendent, a Police parade room and nine prisoners’ cells, room for three fire engines, a police court room, a Council Room, Mayor’s parlour, public library and a large hall for assemblies.