68 accessible to the public , albeit entrance is now less expensive in light of the restricted access .
The hall shop , public toilets , the Museum of Local Crafts and Industries , and the surrounding park and cafes will all remain open as usual .
Due to the fact that almost every room in the hall is impacted by the most recent work , the decision was taken to temporarily close the building to the public in order to facilitate the effective completion of the repairs with the least amount of risk to the building ’ s collections .
Restoring the elaborate plaster ceiling in the Great Hall , fixing and repainting over 130 windows , and reshingling the roofs of the hall ’ s three wings are all part of the comprehensive restoration effort .
Councillor Jack Launer , Burnley Council ’ s executive member for health , culture and wellbeing , said : “ Towneley Hall holds a special place in many people ’ s hearts and I ’ m sure they will understand the importance of preserving this historic hall for generations to come .
“ The repair work is an intricate and specialised job that takes time and a lot of skill by the professional contractors involved . Up until now we ’ ve been able to keep parts of the hall open to visitors , but we ’ ll reach a point in the summer when it ’ s far more effective and safer for the many delicate items housed in the hall to close the building to allow work to continue .
“ Protecting Towneley Hall and its many and varied historic collections is the main priority . We ’ re sorry for any inconvenience caused while these essential repairs are being carried out .”
The repair works have been designed and are being supervised by conservation specialists , Knox McConnell Architects and the repairs are being carried out by Historic Property Restoration Ltd .
The cost of the work is being part-funded by a grant from the Arts Council .
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