A historic building is helping to support job creation in a town after being transformed into a conference and business centre.
The Grade II-listed Wallsend Town Hall was built in 1908. When the Queen visited the area in 1954, the year of her coronation tour, she stood on the building’s balcony in the Queen’s Chamber to address members of the public on the street below.
It previously belonged to North Tyneside Council and was used by council staff for many years. Local authority meetings were also held at the site until the new Quadrant offices opened at the Cobalt Business Park.
Last year it was taken over by Sovereign Adavo and refurbished with modern office and conference facilities under the name Town Hall Chambers. It now operates as a base for up to 50 small businesses.
Mark Black, director of Sovereign Adavo, said: “The building needed a lot of work. It has had a full re-fit, with the installation of fibre optic broadband and ICT equipment, and it was fully rewired.
“It is a listed building so we had to take care of the historic features and make sure the character of the building was not affected.
“We have also refurbished the Queen’s Chamber as a boardroom. It was from this room’s balcony that Her Majesty waved to the crowds outside when she visited the region during her coronation year.
“There is a lot of history behind the building – it has been a landmark in Wallsend for many years.
“It has now been transformed into a lovely place to work. It is a 50-office business centre with space for around 200 people – that means 200 private sector jobs are being brought into Wallsend.”
The venue was officially opened by North Tyneside’s Mayor Norma Redfearn.
She said: “There is so much happening here in Wallsend and the conversion of the Town Hall into this fantastic, high-quality business venue is the latest in a series of significant improvements for the town.
“Wallsend is becoming a really vibrant place and I’m sure this new centre will be welcomed by the local business community.
“I am very impressed by the changes and improvements that Sovereign Adavo have made to the former Town Hall building, to create such a prestigious facility.”
The venue’s Grand Chamber has been restored as a conference hall, seating 150 to 200 people. It can be used for training events, promotional seminars, and awards ceremonies.