Restoration work underway at landmark building in Jarrow

Contractors Hodgson Sayers have been drafted in to work on the Grade II listed Jarrow Town Hall to repair its leaking roof.

Built in 1902, the building was the starting point for the famous Jarrow March in 1936 which saw 200 people walk to London to highlight unemployment in the town.

Contracts manager, Dave Wakenshaw, said: “We were delighted to be appointed to work on the project. It is a much loved local building and will forever be associated with the Jarrow March.

“We are very aware we are restoring a building that has great historical and social significance to the people of South Tyneside and the wider North East. We understand the responsibility this places on us and we look forward to playing our role in preserving the building for years to come.

“We are commencing works to replace the pitched roof with natural Welsh and Westmorland slate. To do this we are recycling existing roof materials within South Tyneside and sourcing materials to match the current look of the building.

“We are working with local scaffolders and with the council’s heritage team to ensure the building’s clock tower remains safe and untouched during the works.”

Coun Ed Malcolm, lead member for resources and innovation at South Tyneside Council, said: “Jarrow Town Hall has a very important role in the borough’s history and heritage and still occupies its place at the heart of the community.

“It is vital that the building and its architectural features are preserved and protected for the long term. Hodgson Sayers was appointed to help restore this iconic building following a competitive tender process.

“The company is happy to accommodate our requests while the work is ongoing, for example, we have a wedding taking place in May and it will ensure that no disruptions will take place by halting work for the day and will go the extra mile to ensure the smooth running of the facility.”