Roof and Podium

In a major engineering feat of its time, the original roof supports of the Town Hall were hoisted into place without the use of any mechanical aid, relying simply on manual labour, ropes and pulleys.

The original timbers were still in place and, as part of the restoration programme, were supplemented by steel trusses.

New coverings to the podium and roof over the years considerably altered the appearance of Town Hall. Originally covered in lead, the main roof was covered with aluminium sheeting that had started to erode.

As part of the renovation works, the existing roof coverings were removed and replaced with traditional lead coverings that have not only relieved the imminent threat of decay, but have also restored the significance of the original architectural design.