West Bromwich Town Hall & Library

Completing five weeks ahead of programme, the restoration of the Town Hall and Library forms a key part of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s (SMBC’s) wider masterplan. The Town Hall and Library, both rich in historical and architectural significance, will now serve as cornerstones in the reimagined cultural quarter of West Bromwich.

Key Stats

Heritage project, restoring the Grade II listed West Bromwich Town Hall
Delivered through the Constructing West Midlands II (CWM2) Framework
219T carbon saved
46/45 CCS score (+1 Innovation Point)
252 Local community volunteering hours donated
99.76% Waste diverted from landfill

At a Glance

Client

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Budget

£6.9m

Completion

October 2024

Location

West Bromwich, Sandwell

Framework

Constructing West Midlands 2 Framework

Sector

Community, Historic Building

Social value

£4.5 million

Sustainability

99.7% Waste Diverted from Landfill

The history of the West Bromwich Town Hall and the purpose of the Project

Originally designed by architects Alexander & Henman and built between 1874 and 1875, the West Bromwich Town Hall stands as a testament to Italian Gothic architecture, with its distinctive façade of brick and stone, along with a combination of slate and flat roofing. The adjacent West Bromwich Central Library, opened in 1907, was a gift from the industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Now a Grade II listed building, the Town Hall and Library are vital cultural assets for the community, serving as symbols of the town’s heritage.

The aim of the restoration project was to preserve and protect these heritage buildings while adapting them for modern use. Delivered through the CWM2 framework, the project scope required improvements to the slate roof, while restoring some of the fine features of the building, including a missing finial. As the building is home to a range of architectural details, including original timber sash windows, Crittal windows, and stained-glass panels, over 200 windows were restored or replaced throughout the project.

The Challenges of a Busy City Centre Location

The project commenced within the heart of West Bromwich, a busy urban environment that posed several logistical challenges. Careful planning to manage site access, deliveries, and pedestrian safety was key throughout the project. A detailed logistics strategy was developed during the preconstruction phase, ensuring that deliveries were made ‘just in time’ and to the rear of the building.

To further maintain safety, perimeter hoarding was installed around the site, along with clearly marked signage to protect pedestrians. A temporary pedestrian road crossing was also put in place to ensure the safety of the public while works were ongoing. Lastly, the team coordinated closely with SMBC and other stakeholders to minimise disruption to the local community.

Restoring the Town Hall and Library, sustainably

A key focus of the restoration was sustainability. Our project team worked collaboratively with the supply chain to reuse as much of the original material as possible, including bricks, slate tiles, and windows. Over 16 different types of special bricks were also custom-made by Northcot Bricks and Midland Masonry to match the original design - Mini documentary (Here).

With the support of Henley Restoration and Remedials (subcontractors who operate within the Henley Construction Management Group), terracotta columns which were deteriorating and due to be replaced were instead restored. This solution not only provided substantial carbon savings but also significant cost savings. Over 200 windows were also carefully refurbished and replaced by Henley Restoration and Remedials.

One notable challenge faced was the restoration of a missing finial that had been absent since 1916. Based on historic information, APEC Architects designed a new finial, which was expertly carved from stone by skilled stonemasons from Midland Masonry.

By reusing existing materials and incorporating energy-efficient practices, the project reduced its carbon footprint, with over 219T of carbon saved during construction.

The Central Library and Welcoming Spaces Initiative

In addition to its historical significance, the West Bromwich Central Library also plays a role in supporting community welfare. As part of SMBC’s Welcoming Spaces program, the library provides a warm, safe environment for local residents; this included those affected by homelessness, whereby they could access support during the cost-of-living crisis. To support this initiative, the project team donated and installed a dishwasher in March 2024, as well as a supply of tea, coffee, and sugar.

Celebrating Local Heritage: Black Country Day

The project team marked Black Country Day (July 14th) by celebrating the region's rich cultural and industrial heritage. This annual event commemorates the invention of the Newcomen Atmospheric Engine and acknowledges the Black Country’s contributions to the industrial revolution.

In celebration, the team organised a day of activities on site, which included:

A dance performance by ME Dance Company,
Stalls from local charities and vendors, such as Kaleidoscope and Centre Spot CIC,
Food from The Catchy Fish, a family-run local business.
Music was provided by Aphrodite Strings,
A talk on the significance of Black Country Day, carried out by Conservation Officer Mark Stretton.

Approximately, 50 people attended the event, including local community members, sub-contractors, and project team members, fostering a sense of pride in the project and the local area.

The restoration project of West Bromwich Town Hall and Library extends beyond enhancing the physical structure of the building. Morgan Sindall fully embraced and actively supported our social value approach, significantly contributing to social and economic benefits for our residents across our four key pillars: Employment and Skills, Community Engagement, Local Spend, and Environment”.

Alan Lunt, Executive Director Place, Sandwell Council

We're absolutely delighted with the outcomes of this project. The social value delivered in partnership with the local community is outstanding, highlighting the benefits of using a regional framework that retains wealth within the local area that will benefit generations to come. This beautifully restored building is something everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part of."

Damian Donnelly, Associate Director at Constructing West Midlands