CRITICAL restoration work on Colchester's Moot Hall ceiling has been given the go-ahead.

Colchester Council's planning committee has approved plans to begin the work on the Moot Hall's ceiling.

The Moot Hall, situated within the Grade I listed Town Hall, has been closed to the public since early 2023 due to safety concerns regarding the fibrous plaster ceiling.

With the recent approval, work will now commence to repair and stabilise the ceiling, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

It comes after Tim Young addressed the council's cabinet with his concerns regarding delays in the repair works. 

The Moot Hall is famed for its high barrel-vault fibrous plaster ceiling, stained glass windows, and custom-built Norman and Beard organ.

However, surveys carried out in 2023 uncovered critical issues, including deficiencies in the plaster's support system, evidence of water damage and condensation, and structural weaknesses exacerbated by age, debris buildup, and added loads from fixtures.

The approved works do require some interventions that will cause minimal harm to the existing ceiling fabric.

A restoration plan will be implemented, this will include the installation of a new, independent secondary support grid to reinforce the ceiling without adding weight.

Work is also set to be undertaken to clean and consolidate the original plaster panels, repair timber mouldings, and document all interventions for future records.

Controlled access points will be created in the ceiling to enable thorough repairs.

These will be carefully restored upon completion, which will result in minimal visual impact.

David King, leader of Colchester Council, welcomed the planning committee's decision.

He said: “This is a major milestone in our mission to preserve the Moot Hall as a vital part of Colchester’s history and heritage.

"The approved restoration will protect this stunning space, ensuring it remains a symbol of civic pride and a functional venue for years to come.”

The works are scheduled to begin in December and are expected to take several months to complete.

The remainder of the Town Hall will remain open for events and public use.