A New Chapter for Durham's Historic Town Hall

Great Hall — Wall and Panel Repairs, and New Render

The most significant improvements took place in the Great Hall, so it’s fitting to start here. The entire project was initially prompted by a need for targeted structural wall repairs and reinforcement through crack stitching and enhanced tethering.

Wall and panel repairs in Great Hall

The wall repairs also presented an opportunity to address longstanding issues with the historic wood panelling running around the hall perimeter. Over time, likely due to fluctuations in temperature, the panels had warped and pulled significantly away from the walls. Without intervention, it was a matter of time before they detached entirely. To resolve this, the affected panelling was carefully removed, repaired, and reinstalled using modern techniques that securely and robustly fixed them flush to the walls.

Birdcage Scaffold in Great Hall

In total, approximately 95% of the render in the Great Hall was removed and replaced—a massive undertaking. This required the installation of a birdcage scaffold which filled the entire interior space of the hall. The original render had deteriorated over time, and since large sections needed to be removed for the wall repairs, it was practical and beneficial to apply new render throughout the entire hall.

Importantly, the new render used was lime render, a historically accurate, breathable material that directly replaces the original. While modern materials can offer a similar finish, as a Grade II listed building, the project team carefully followed conservation standards and principles, aiming—budget permitting—to remain faithful to the original materials and designs.

Floor Restoration and Debris Sail

For decades, the original floor had been covered in a dark seal, causing it to appear unsightly and suffer damage over time. Historically, the floor once had a light orange hue, tinted by the oil-based sealant used when it was first installed. We confirmed this by observing the finish beneath damaged areas and through a painting of the Great Hall by the hall’s architect, P.C. Hardwick, from 1852.

Another key aesthetic improvement was the removal of the plastic debris sail. The Great Hall is exposed to strong winds, and during particularly high gusts, the lower frame of the roof would catch the wall, causing small bits of debris to fall. This issue was permanently resolved with a discreet foam-based seal that protects the structure and ensures no debris can drop, preserving both safety and appearance.

Before - Great Hall, Durham Town Hall (2024)

After - Great Hall, Durham Town Hall (2025)

Guildhall — Fleche tethering, repairs and finial replacement

The beautifully ornate spire, or fleche, atop the Guildhall roof had been the source of severe leaks for years, with rainwater penetrating through the vents and into the hall below. While the original brief focused on fixing this leak, a detailed inspection revealed that the fleche housing itself had significantly degraded and required enhanced structural support to ensure long-term stability and weatherproofing.

Guildhall fleche and finial

With its considerable weight supported by a scaffold erected through the Guildhall itself, and additional scaffolding along the building’s front elevation to facilitate the work, the fleche was carefully resecured to the roof using modern structural techniques. The issue of rainwater ingress was subsequently resolved by adjusting the vents, ensuring the hall remains dry and protected.

The finial replacement was a special highlight of the project—taking full advantage of the already in place exterior scaffolding. This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to replace a feature missing since the 1960s. Working closely with the Durham County Records Office (now based at The Story, Durham), the team was able to accurately replicate and reinstate the finial according to the original historic design.

Trade Guild Coats of Arms & Artwork Conservation

Dating from the 17th century, original Guild coats of arms were carefully entrusted to The Story, Durham—a new cultural heritage hub for the region equipped with state-of-the-art collections storage facilities. The coats of arms were digitised, reproduced, reframed, and rehung within the Town Hall. This approach ensures that visitors can continue to experience these historic works firsthand, while the originals will remain safely preserved for centuries to come.

Guildhall, replica coats of arms display on right (2025)

Cordwainers, coat of arms (17th century)

Artwork and artefacts conservation and rehang

All artworks and artefacts in the Great Hall had to be carefully removed to allow for the extensive render works. This presented a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve, clean, and rehang the entire collection using modern conservation methods—ensuring both their preservation and an improved display.

To avoid the considerable risk and expense of transporting the paintings and artefacts offsite, a makeshift conservation studio was set up in the Lantern Room. The results were truly remarkable. These artworks, darkened and damaged over decades, were carefully restored and brought back to life through this onsite intervention.

Clement Burlison, Portrait of Robert Burns, 1859 – left (before) / right (after – detail)