Roof repair work starts at town hall after fire

Parts of the town hall roof were damaged by flames from the burning HSBC building

Repair work has started on the roof of a Leicestershire town hall which was damaged in a fire.

The work to Loughborough Town Hall started on Tuesday, with scaffolding being set up at the front of the building.

A HSBC bank branch next door to the Grade II-listed building in Market Place caught fire on 15 March 2023, spreading to the hall.

The cause of the fire was accidental, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue said, and the town hall reopened three weeks later.

Plans submitted in October confirmed the repair work would be conducted in a "like-for-like" manner.

A spokesperson for the town hall said: "Due to the extensive nature of the works required, in addition to the historical nature of the affected area this has meant additional steps, including Listed Building Consent, was required before works could begin.

"We anticipate the works to be completed by mid October. We will keep you updated of any progress."

The blaze damaged the town hall's roof, along with water and smoke damage to other parts of the venue, which is used for live performances including Loughborough's annual pantomime.

The fire damaged the town hall roof

Seats in the main auditorium and other parts of the building had to be thoroughly cleaned after the fire.

The building is also home to the Sock Gallery, which remains open, as does the town hall's box office.

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