Shire Hall

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Project Description:

Funded with a Heritage Lottery Grant and matched by West Dorset District Council, plans were produced to see this Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1757, undergo a transformation into an educational, multimedia experience.

Shire Hall sits within a tight inner-city site. As principal contractors, Greendale Construction led on extensive remodelling, excavations and structural works all in line with an extensive list of requirements. Innovative solutions were required to retain all the existing architecture, and the whole area was made wheelchair friendly. The project included the internal excavations which were in fact deeper than the existing foundations, all within the constricted building. Part of the works included a complete new roof and significant roof structure repairs in oak. New lath and lime plaster work were carried out to the ceilings, and the roof was covered in specifically sourced welsh slates.

To achieve a best in class result, the team worked closely with M&E consultants to install new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and data services. Some external works were also carried out to open up road access and accessibility to two new flats, also newly created, from the rear of the building. The team engaged with archaeologists during the excavation phase, as the process involved the discovery of various artefacts and bones. The project resulted in a new café at mezzanine level, a tourist shop and adjoining toilet facilities. A traditional courthouse museum, complete with cells, was restored to the days of tolpuddle martyrs.

Shire Hall is now more equipped, safer and accessible to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities. Thanks to the installation of a lift which serves all public floors, all visitors can now be taken on a historical journey with some of Dorset’s most notorious and iconic characters and events.

Architect: Philip Hughes Associates
Surveyors: Mace
Structural Engineers: Andrew Waring Associates
M&E Consultants: Martin Thomas Associates