The Grade-I listed building was designed by William Crossland and opened in 1871 as a symbol of the town’s industrial standing in the textile trade. The building was falling into a poor state of repair, and it had become vital that it was preserved for generations to come. The interior was starting to become damaged, and the building's roof needed replacing. Over 3 phases Kirk Scaffolding Ltd has erected access and Temporary roofs over the Council Chambers, Bright Hall, and the Great Hall. The internal works involved a bespoke design to allow the Great Hall to be fully scaffolded for the conservator’s access for restoration repairs. Each element of the project was carefully thought through, and added complications of public tours had to be managed throughout the project.