Hackney Town Hall

The following building shall be added: MARE STREET TQ 3484 25/650 Hackney Town Hall II GV

Town hall. 1934-7 by Lanchester & Lodge. Portland stone ashlar cladding, chanelled at ground floor level, to all elevations. Flat roofs. Free-standing square plan central rectangular areas flanking the spinal main axis. main, western entrance elevation fronted by formal walled civic gardens (qv). 3 storeys and semi- basement. Symmetrical main front of 13 windows grouped 4:1:3:1:4 in central entrance block flanked by lower single slightly projecting bays flanked by recessed outer bays. Square-headed metal crittal windows with glazing bars; 5 central 1st floor windows round-arched with keystones, middle 3 leading onto a stone balcony supported on large brackets. Central architraved entrance, beneath balcony, approached by wide flight of 2-stage steps. Plain band at 1st floor level above which plain aprons to architraved 1st floor windows. Simplified entablature forms a parapet apart from the central higher bays with shallow pediment and carved coat of arms, beneath which a clock. Other elevations in a similar style. South return of 15 windows with central ground floor projection and 3 left hand bays forming 3-doorway entrance to assembly rooms with 3 round-arched windows at 1st floor level. North return of 15 windows with central ground floor projection and attached plain stone gate piers with cast iron pedestrian and vehicle gates of linear design to original carpark. Eastern rear elevation of 11 windows and central entrance with bracketed stone balcony above to central 3 window; 1st floor windows all round arched apart from slightly projecting end bays. Attached cast iron railings to areas on all elevations. Exceptionally unaltered interiors with decorations and furnishing, in Art Deco Style, all designed as part of the original conception and much still preserved including: many fine light fittings throughout the building, panelling, floor surfaces and doors. Some interiors include: entrance hall with half-column light fittings and marble stairs to right and left brass linear design balustrades leads to top lit landing, with pillar lights, giving access to panelled committee rooms across the front of the building and the Council Chamber within the central spine. Double height Council Chamber panelled to half height with various woods, the patterning reflected in the U-plan stalls; panelled ceiling; press/public gallery to rear. Panelled Mayor's Parlour and Members' Room, both with original furnishings. Three 1st floor Assembly Rooms capable of being made into one room with stage run across the rear of the building with separate entrance. Hackney Town Hall forms a group with the civic gardens (qv).

Listing NGR: TQ3487384698