WALTHAM FOREST: Council chamber re-emerges in style

8:47am Saturday 29th September 2007

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THE historic council chamber at Waltham Forest Town Hall has been both restored and updated thanks to a comprehensive refit.

Originally finished in 1941, the chamber - part of the grade 2 listed building in Forest Road, Walthamstow - had been blighted by rainwater leaking in through the roof.

Repair work began in September last year and the refurbished chamber will see its first full council debate on October 11.

The original furniture, believed to date from the earlier Victorian town hall in Orford Road, has been restored, and joined by new handmade items designed to be in keeping.

Elsewhere, the original style has been preserved with new carpets, while some of fixtures and fittings had to be ordered from the United States to match the original design.

A new digital audio/visual system brings 21st century technology to the chamber.

Two projector screens have been fitted either side of the mayor's dais., and the system and can be used to show films or connect to the internet.

Cllr Keith Rayner, cabinet member for corporate services, said the facility would be able to support electronic voting should it need to in the future.

The work has been included as part of a series of improvements to the town hall to ensure that the entire building complies with the Disability Discrimination Act.

As a result, lift access has been improved and new ramps installed.

Cllr Rayner, said: "The council has refurbished the council chamber so it is modern, accessible for all and more user-friendly for members of the public and our staff, while maintaining its unique historical features of the building.

"All the hard work has resulted in a chamber that will continue to serve the borough well for many years to come."

At last month's cabinet meeting, Cllr Chris Robbins praised the refurbishment, saying: "I think it's a brilliant job, and it is part of our work to maintain the heritage of our borough. I am proud to be involved in it."