PLANS to refurbish the roof of the former drill hall, which has fallen into partial disrepair, are set to be approved.

The council’s application to re-roof the site will come before the development management committee at the Parr Hall next Wednesday.

It is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The grounds of the Town Hall consist of the main building, along with the West Annexe and East Annexe – all of which are Grade I listed.

The Golden Gates in front of the Town Hall are Grade II* listed.

A report to the committee says the roof of the former drill hall building, on the East Annexe, has fallen into partial disrepair due to its age and requires extensive refurbishment works.

It says, where possible, the refurbishment of the roof will involves the reuse of all existing material.

The proposal involves the removal of all of the roof tiles, repairing of the timbers underneath where necessary, adding a new thin layer of insulation and the replacement of the roof tiles.

However, it is noted that a significant number slates are likely in poor condition and can’t be reused, some are broken and others have broken fixing holes so cannot be re-attached. These will need to be replaced with Welsh slate to match.

The report adds that the proposals comprise essential repair and maintenance works to ensure the building is watertight which, in turn, assures the long-term condition and viability of the ‘historic asset of the highest importance’.

As revealed in 2018, the former drill hall had been considered as the site for a new theatre before the plans were scrapped.

An ambitious proposal to explore possibility of converting the former drill hall into a performance venue with around 400 seats was initially put forward.

Bank Hall, which was designed by architect James Gibbs, was built in 1750 as a home for businessman Thomas Patten.

But in 1873 the owner, Colonel Wilson Patten, later Lord Winmarleigh, sold the building to the council and it became Warrington Town Hall.