Bolton Market Hall
A Heritage statement was prepared to support design proposals for changes to the listed Victorian market building, including conversion of basement vaults to retail/ restaurant space. The 1980’s ‘Market Place’ shopping centre on the north is connected through a circular atrium structure to the ‘Market Hall’ from 1851, a functioning lively market. In the early 2000’s the market place was extended into the Market Hall over two levels with the 1980’s atrium both linking and dividing the two. The extension was viewed by English Heritage as an unsatisfactory intervention as it compromised the sense of space and the dual axes of the original Hall. Lying underneath the Market Hall and neglected in the previous conversion lay the 19th century brick Vaults, built as storage for the market above. The main primary impacts we were asked to assess were their opening up and integration.
We found the proposed design recognised the potential for allowing the historic continuum to be progressed in a way that had little impact on the significance of the building. We felt it positive that a better use of the building could be created that is compatible with the current fabric. Consent was gained on the basis that works to alter the building would not harm its special interest and enabled a greater appreciation of the building in modern times.