Monday 13th May special paving stone unveiled

Ealing Town Hall’s makeover has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The restoration scheme which has cost £800,000 is in the running for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) London region Building Conservation 2013 Award.

If the project wins, it will be automatically entered into the competition to win the RICS Project of the Year 2013.

The last major repairs took place in 1989 and incidents of falling masonry had caused some serious safety concerns. Pollution and poor previous repairs in the 1950’s meant some of the façade’s architectural features had started to deteriorate.

The Grade II listed Victorian building has been the centre point for many events over the years and the clock tower and spire are important local landmarks.

The external walls are clad with Kentish ragstone and Bath stone and the roof is predominantly Welsh slate. The windows are a mix of wooden sashes, casements and metal framed crittalls.

The latest works have sought bring the building back to its former glory. Stained glass windows were also repaired and restored and historical paint analysis was used to make sure that the redecoration was authentic.

On Monday 13th May, a specially inscribed paving stone, dedicating the restorations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, will be permanently placed outside the Town Hall.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “I’m delighted, on behalf of the people of Ealing, to be able to dedicate the restoration works to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

“Ealing Town Hall is one of the borough’s most important landmarks. It is a prominent reminder of our history and Victorian heritage, which we have a duty to preserve. It has been restored very sympathetically and is, once again, safe for people to use and enjoy.

“My congratulations also go out to our property services team on a job well done. This is the second award they have been shortlisted for in the last month, with the Westside Young People’s Centre in the running for an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).”

8th May 2013