Work on the £7.15 million refurbishment and redevelopment of Trowbridge Town Hall has marked another significant milestone this month.

The historic building is now fully watertight after contractors Beard Construction removed external scaffolding to reveal the impressive completion of several key exterior tasks.

These include slate roofing works, acoustic and thermal upgrades, lead gutter and valley details, stone repairs and restoration to the exterior, and stained glass window repairs and replacements.

The award-winning specialist construction company is working to transform the Grade II-listed building into an eye-catching music hall for live concerts.

This will include the demolition of existing offices and workshop spaces, as well as the removal of the suspended ceiling to expose the hall’s impressive vaulted ceiling, and will be paired with a brand new roof.

The remaining floors of the building will also see significant remodelling to create recording studios, offices, performance spaces and breakout rooms which will be open to the public and used by community groups.

The project is part of a £16.3 million investment from the government's Future High Streets Fund, which aims to help areas recover from the Covid pandemic by improving transport links and transforming underused spaces.

Beard Construction says that with the building now fully watertight, the stage is set for the next phase of internal work to commence.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for assets, said: “Refurbishing a Grade II listed building is no small feat, but we are really pleased with the progress and the meticulous care being taken to preserve its historic features.

“A significant milestone is approaching in late September when the birdcage scaffolding in the Great Hall will be removed.

“The birdcage scaffolding has supported the installation of acoustic boarding, electrical equipment and the restoration and strengthening of the existing trusses and purlins to support the additional weight of the new roof and theatre audio-visual equipment.

“Once cleared, the Great Hall will be restored to its former glory, offering a stunning venue for concerts and events, accommodating up to 500 people right in the heart of Trowbridge.”

Beard Construction has also thanked nearby residents and businesses for their patience during the temporary closure of Park Road.

This was necessary to allow the completion of stone repairs, unblocking and decorating downpipes and installing a new power cable from the nearby electricity substation.

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks plans to turn off power to local businesses and residents for five hours from 8pm on Sunday, September 15 to 1am on Monday, September 16 to connect power to the town hall.

Wiltshire Council added: “Demolition around the new lift shaft and kitchen is now complete, and the construction of the new lift shaft has begun in earnest with blockwork underway.

“Inside, progress is equally commendable. New openings have been formed, and preparations are in place for the installation of new mechanical and electrical services.

“The basement has seen substantial advancements, including the completion of first-fix copper pipes, ductwork, a fire alarm, and data cabling.”

On the ground floor, wall chasing has been performed, services have been installed within the walls, and painting has started.

New plaster repairs are ongoing, with skimming over new block walls. Ceiling decorations are also in progress, creating a fresh canvas before electrical containment is installed.

In the iconic Great Hall, the installation of acoustic boarding is complete, enhancing sound absorption within the room.

The existing trusses and purlins are being decorated, and the acoustic boarding is receiving a fresh coat of paint.

Additionally, electrical containment within the hall has been successfully installed, adding to the transformative progress.