Loughborough Town Hall reopens after fire damaged the roof

The doors to the Box Office and Sock Gallery will open today.

Charnwood Borough Council has been getting the Grade II listed building ready for customers since the blaze at the neighbouring HSBC bank on the 15th of March

There was some fire damage to the Town Hall roof and some smoke and water damage to other parts of the building as a result of the fire.

The first show takes place today and comedian Angela Barnes is taking to the stage.

All seats in the main hall auditorium and other parts of the building have been thoroughly cleaned and repairs and maintenance carried out to the air handling and air conditioning units.

Simon Gibson, Town Hall manager said: “Reopening the Town Hall has been our main priority and we have been working hard to make that possible.

“We are really looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming audiences back. I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we’ve been busy carrying out inspections and completing works.

“Inspections of the electrical system and heating, ventilation and air condition system have now taken place and work carried out where necessary. Cleaning has also been completed in some areas of the building which received light smoke damage as a result of the fire.

“We still need to undertake some roof repairs which will be carried out with great sensitivity to protect the building’s heritage.

“Once again, I would like to thank the fire service for their prompt response to the incident which prevented further damage to the Town Hall. We are also grateful to members of the public and partners who reached out to offer messages of support during this time.”

The Victoria Room will remain closed while further surveys and repairs to the roof and loft space are carried out.

Loughborough Markets have returned and are running as normal, apart from some traders standing in different places due to fencing outside the HSBC building.