Ashton Market Hall

In the early hours of Tuesday the 25th May 2004, fire devastated Ashton-Under-Lyne’s historic market Hall. Twelve fire engines and three aerial appliances were at the scene but the building had been extensively damaged with little remaining inside.

After rapid extensive propping of the retained external walls, the dangerous cleanup operation began in earnest. Plans were submitted for the rebuilding of the grate 2 listed building and the repair works to the surviving external walls and famous clock tower.

IN 2007, our company was asked to tender for the structural repairs and restoration of the external walls and clock tower. We were successful in being awarded the project.

With a ‘fast track’ programme (fourteen months condensed into seven) work began immediately.

Our scope of works were as follows:

• Prepare and submit samples for approval
• Take down and rebuild arches beyond repair
• Repair and clean the internal smoke damaged walls
• Create windows through existing arched facade
• Create door openings through existing arched facade
• Rebuild large sections of parapet walls
• Structurally repair the severally damaged clock tower
• Re-tie existing arches and pediments to existing walls
• Clean and repair the external facade

Large sections of the masonry had been taken down and stored by the demolition contractor due to instability. It was our job to retrieve these materials and re-assemble on site, rather like a ten tonne jigsaw puzzle.

Clock Tower

Extensive movement had occurred in the tower which had effectively acted as a flue for the flames. Extensive cracking was apparent between stone and brick joints.

Where joints were ‘too’ wide, new stone slips were inserted or in minor cases. Deep pressure pointing was undertaken using historical restoration mortar.

Masonry stabilisation was installed to floor levels inside the tower with a tie rod and turnbuckle system incorporated.

The whole tower was cleaned and re pointed in a historical mortar mix. The Ashton Coat of Arms was refurbished and repainted.

Our works were completed ahead of programme and references for the project can be gained on request by Tameside Council, Taylor Young Architects and Laing O’Rourke, the main contractor.