Old Town Hall, Mansfield

Situated in the heart of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, the Old Town Hall stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance. This Grade II* listed building, with its neoclassical design and rich history, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past while serving as a vibrant part of the community today.

A Glimpse into History

The origins of the Old Town Hall date back to the early 19th century when civic meetings were held in the Moot Hall. However, the Moot Hall soon proved inadequate for the growing needs of the town's civic leaders, prompting a group of local businessmen to form The Town Hall Company with the aim of developing a new, more suitable building.

The foundation stone for the new building was laid by John Coke of Debdale Hall on 21 July 1835. Designed by the renowned architect William Adams Nicholson, the Old Town Hall was completed in 1836. The building's neoclassical style, characterized by its symmetrical main frontage and tetrastyle portico with Doric order columns, exudes an air of grandeur and elegance.

Architectural Marvels

The Old Town Hall's design is a testament to the architectural prowess of William Adams Nicholson. The central bay, which slightly projects forward, features a tetrastyle portico with Doric order columns supporting an entablature adorned with the town's coat of arms. This open space behind the columns was originally intended to serve as a corn exchange, with ground floor rooms designated for magistrates, reading, and a library.

Behind the main building, there were houses for the caretaker and a constable, complete with a lock-up containing ten cells. The first floor boasts sash windows and a clock in the pediment above, adding to the building's stately appearance. The principal room on the first floor, the council chamber, was described as a noble hall of assembly for North Nottinghamshire, with a side-chamber for Commissioners.

From Civic Centre to Community Hub

In April 1883, the Town Improvement Commissioners purchased the building from the Town Hall Company, and a public reading room was opened in the building on 28 October 1891. As the town's population grew, particularly with the development of the coal mining industry in the early 20th century, the Old Town Hall became the headquarters of the new borough council.

The building played host to several significant events, including official visits by King George V and Queen Mary in 1914 and 1928, during which they attended receptions in front of the town hall. During the Second World War, the building was requisitioned by the War Office, and council meetings were temporarily held in the electricity showrooms on Regent Street until the building was handed back in August 1944.

In 1974, the Old Town Hall became the local seat of government for the newly formed Mansfield District Council. Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, signed the visitors book at the town hall during a walkabout along Westgate on 28 July 1977. However, the building ceased to be the local seat of government in 1986 when the council relocated to the newly opened Mansfield Civic Centre, inaugurated by Princess Anne.

A Modern Renaissance

Despite no longer serving as the local seat of government, the Old Town Hall has continued to play an important role in the community. A tourist information office was established in the building in August 1994, and the building has undergone several refurbishments to ensure its preservation and continued use.

In recent years, Mansfield District Council identified the need for urgent repairs and upgrades to the Old Town Hall. To facilitate these works, the adjacent old indoor market was demolished in 2010 to provide car parking. In 2015, Mansfield BID (Business Improvement District) and some remaining council administrators moved out of the building to allow remedial works to commence.

Further renovation efforts have been made to create rentable office accommodation, internal retail areas, and external retail units. In October 2021, the council announced plans to create a new community hub in the Old Town Hall, intending to relocate their own staff and other local parties with vested interests in the Civic Centre and the area.

In March 2022, the council announced that all retail units within the Old Town Hall had been let to a variety of small businesses, further cementing the building's role as a vibrant community hub. The council's Town Centre Management Team is also based within the building, ensuring its continued relevance and use.

Celebrating Achievements

The Old Town Hall has also been a focal point for community celebrations. In August 2008, thousands of people lined the streets of Mansfield to welcome home local competitive swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who won gold medals in the 400 and 800-metre freestyle swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The celebration culminated in a ceremony at the Old Town Hall, highlighting the building's role as a symbol of community pride and achievement.

In conclusion, the Old Town Hall in Mansfield is more than just a historic building; it is a living testament to the town's rich history and enduring community spirit. With its stunning neoclassical architecture, fascinating history, and ongoing role as a community hub, the Old Town Hall is a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Mansfield and its heritage.