Mechanics Conservation Statement

BURNLEY MECHANICS CONSERVATION STATEMENT ISSUE 2 JULY 2017

Beverley Kerr On behalf of Purcell ® 29 Marygate, York YO30 7WH beverley.kerr@purcelluk.com www.purcelluk.com All rights in this work are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means (including without limitation by photocopying or placing on a website) without the prior permission in writing of Purcell except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Applications for permission to reproduce any part of this work should be addressed to Purcell at info@purcelluk.com.

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Purcell® is the trading name of Purcell Miller Tritton LLP. © Purcell 2017

01.237980

Issue 01 April 2017 Burnley Leisure Trust Issue 02 July 2017 Burnley Leisure Trust

BURNLEY MECHANICS, CONSERVATION STATEMENT CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

05

1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

INTRODUCTION Purpose Of The Conservation Statement Methodology Existing Information And Gaps In Knowledge Authorship Acknowledgements

06 06 06 07 07 07

2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

UNDERSTANDING Location And Setting Views Management And Use Description Designations Planning Context And Legislative Framework

08 08 11 14 14 39 40

3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT History Of Burnley Burnley Mechanics Timeline Map Progression Historic Development Plans Comparable Examples: Mechanics Institutes

46 46 47 69 72 77

4 4.1 4.2 4.3

SIGNIFICANCE Criteria For Assessing Significance Assessment Of Heritage Values Significance Plans

79 79 80 82

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES A: Listing Description B: Plan of Auditorium 1921 C: Plan of Ground Floor 1965 D: Plans of Burnley Mechanics 1978 E: Plans of the Refurbishment of Burnley Mechanics In 1984

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purcell were commissioned to undertake the writing of a Conservation Statement to inform the developing scheme for alterations to Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley in Lancashire.

Burnley Mechanics is an arts and entertainment centre. The building was originally designed by James Green of Todmorden in the mid-19th century in the Italianate Palazzo style and sympathetically enlarged in 1888 by William A Waddington and Sons. The building is Grade II*, putting it in the top 8% of historic buildings in the country, and stands adjacent to the Grade II listed town hall and located on a principal route into the town.

Burnley Leisure Trust are working towards a HLF bid to reveal the heritage of the building and has been advised to submit an initial funding application in order to test the viability of the scheme and to understand heritage significance. This Conservation Statement is an initial document that is to be submitted to the HLF in advance of a larger grant application, and has the potential to be updated to a full Conservation Management Plan in future.

Burnley Mechanics Institute was opened on Manchester Road in 1855, and is an example of a building constructed by the Mechanics movement which provided educational and cultural facilities to an expanding, urban workforce. Burnley Mechanics Institute closed its doors in 1959 and was reopened in 1960 by Burnley Council as an entertainment venue, undergoing a substantial refit in the 1980s.

Today, the building is operated by Burnley Leisure Trust, a charitable trust set up to run leisure, arts and cultural services in Burnley Borough.

05

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE CONSERVATION STATEMENT The Conservation Statement (CS) has been commissioned by Burnley Mechanics who are looking to make changes to the Grade II* listed building to improve their arts and educational offering.

Burnley Leisure Trust are working towards an HLF bid to reveal the heritage of the building, and have been advised to submit an initial funding application in order to test the viability of the scheme, and to understand heritage significance. This Conservation Statement is an initial document that is to be submitted to the HLF in advance of a larger grant application.

The Statement will aim to help to conserve, enhance and investigate opportunities for change at the site and is intended to inform a future Conservation Management Plan.

1.2

METHODOLOGY

The Conservation Statement will provide a single resource for understanding the history, significance and potential for change at Burnley Mechanics. The principal sections of this report will encompass: 1 Introduction This section sets out the basic information regarding the background to the report, such as the scope of the study, existing information and methodology.

2 Understanding This section provides an understanding of the Burnley Mechanics by setting out the known information about the site. This includes a summary of the statutory designations and legislative frameworks that relate to the site and a description of the site.

3 Historical Development This section provides a more detailed understanding of the building through the chronology and interpretation of the history of Burnley Mechanics.

4 Significance This section sets out why and to what extent the site is important and valued, both culturally and with regards to its heritage. Four main designations of heritage value are – communal; evidential; historical and aesthetic.

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5 Issues and Opportunities This section identifies issues which present challenges or threats to the significance of the site (such as fabric deterioration or unfulfilled use) as well as opportunities to protect, reveal or enhance their significance (such as improved public access or changes in use).

These issues and opportunities lead to the formulation of the Conservation Management Aims and Recommendations presented in section 5.

6 Conservation Management Aims, Actions and Recommendations This section outlines the aims, actions and recommendations that should be pursued to ensure that the significances of Burnley Mechanics is not only protected in the future but also revealed and enhanced wherever possible. They seek to provide a flexible framework around which change can be informed and managed, underpinned by an understanding of the history and significance of site and the related issues.

7 Appendices The Appendices comprise further information which is relevant to the Conservation Statement but not necessary for inclusion in the main text. This includes a bibliography of published and unpublished sources which have been consulted in the preparation of this document, and Listed Building Descriptions.

INTRODUCTION 1

1.3 EXISTING INFORMATION AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE A desk-based study was undertaken to provide baseline information for this report. This involved consulting archives, documentary resources and online databases, which are referenced throughout this document. Due to restricted access to Burnley Central Library, primary sources including photographs were consulted by Helen Jones of Burnley Mechanics. The Burnley Mechanics also hold a collection of documents and images which have been included in this study.

It was unfortunate that original building plans were not found in archives. The earliest plans to be found in archives date to 1887 when the building was extended. This is held by Planning Services at Burnley Borough Council. Their archive also includes plans of the major refurbishment which took place in the 1980s. In addition, a plan dated 1909 was consulted in the Lancashire Archives, Preston; this provided an interesting record of the building at the moment adult education was transferring to the new Burnley Technical College.

1.4

AUTHORSHIP

This Conservation Statement has been prepared by Purcell, a firm of conservation architects and heritage consultants, on behalf of Burnley Mechanics. Specifically, it has been prepared by Bev Kerr MA (Cantab), MA (Hons), Mst (Cantab), Heritage Consultant.

1.5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Purcell would like to thank Helen Jones, the Head of Cultural Services at Burnley Mechanics, and other Burnley Mechanics’ staff at the organisations for their help and hospitality during the preparation of this report. Thanks also go to Lancashire Archives, Burnley Central Library and Erika Eden-Porter, Conservation Officer at Burnley Borough Council.

A number of site visits were made by Purcell during January and February 2017 when the building and surrounding context were visually assessed and photographed. A work-experience student from Burnley College also accompanied the Heritage Consultant during the second site visit.

A full bibliography is presented at the end of this document.

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2 UNDERSTANDING 2.1

LOCATION AND SETTING

Burnley Mechanics is located at the junction of Manchester Road and Yorke Street in the Town of Burnley, Lancashire. The building stands adjacent to Burnley Town Hall, which together form a focus in the streetscape.

Manchester Road is characterised by its commercial character and predominantly 19th century sandstone buildings over three storeys, intermixed with occasional modern structures. Childesley House, for example, is a large three storey office building with basement, probably built in the 1960s and situated immediately south of the site. It is a negative feature in the streetscape. More positive elements include Farley’s Solicitors and the former Endsleigh Insurance Imperial Chambers (now Poppies), which are both 19th century commercial buildings within the visual envelope of the site.

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Burnley Mechanics’ former principal entrance is located on Yorke Street, where there are a number of other 19th century buildings situated opposite. The road provides access to the rear of Burnley Mechanics where there is a public car park, created in the latter half of the 20th century when the public baths were demolished.

There are views across the River Calder towards the rear of premises and a redeveloped 19th century spinning mill (Ignite). At the junction of Yorke Street and Ormerod Street is the modern two-storey flat roofed structure of Burnley Central Methodist church which replaced a 19th century church building on a similar site.

The site location is shown on the adjacent plan.

UNDERSTANDING 2

LOCATION PLAN

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Site Boundary

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(Base plan © GoogleEarth Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky 2016)

09

2 UNDERSTANDING

Manchester Road looking north at the junction with Hargreaves Street

Car park and former spinning mill looking west from the rear of Burnley Mechanics

10

Manchester Road looking east from the site

UNDERSTANDING 2

2.2

VIEWS

N

The significance of a heritage asset derives not only from its physical presence and historic fabric but also from its setting, which are the surroundings in which our heritage is experienced. The understanding and careful management of change within the surroundings of heritage assets therefore makes an important contribution to the quality of the places in which we live.01 There are, of course, an infinite number of views that contribute to the experience of a place, and the sightlines detailed below should only be seen as a starting point. Views can be static or dynamic, may focus on the asset or from the asset, and can intersect with other heritage assets.

02 04

There are a number of views in which Burnley Mechanics is experienced. The majority of people will view the building from Manchester Road, travelling north-east towards the town centre, or alternatively, travelling south-west out of the town. The principal faรงade can also be experienced from Elizabeth Street. A different experience of the building can be gained from the public car park to the rear.

03

01

01 Historic England, The Setting of Heritage Assets, 2015 https://content. historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa3-setting-of-heritage-assets/ gpa3.pdf/

11

2 UNDERSTANDING

VIEW 1:

VIEW 2:

This view of Burnley Mechanics is experienced travelling north-east along Manchester Road. The site slopes downhill towards the town centre. The Town Hall and Burnley Mechanics are seen as a homogenous group due to a similar palate of materials and architectural language. The scale of the Town Hall makes it a prominent building. Despite this, Burnley Mechanics sits forward from the Town Hall, and the large first-floor window of the canted extension which links the two buildings, faces up the road towards the observer. The felt hipped roof can also be seen on the approach. The canopy above the main entrance to the Burnley Mechanics and its ramped access, protrude onto the pavement. The modern Chaddesley House can be made out on the right, set back from the highway.

Approaching the site along Manchester Road and travelling south-west, views of the site are restricted.

The northern elevation facing onto Yorke Street can be partially seen. The eastern elevation blends into the Town Hall behind, and the clock tower rises above the roof.

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UNDERSTANDING 2

VIEW 3:

VIEW 4:

The principal elevation can also be experienced from Elizabeth Street. This narrow view illustrates the change in height between the Town Hall and the site, but also the use of a similar pallet of materials and architectural language, such as the balustrade balconies and the rusticated ground floors. The view of Burnley Mechanics is restricted until the junction with Manchester Road is reached, and the principal faรงade is fully revealed.

This view of the site is taken from the public car park to the rear. It presents a contrasting experience for the viewer. In contrast to the Manchester Road elevation, the building rises to four floors above a basement, made possible by the local topography which sees the land fall rapidly from east to west.

The modern extension and access to the back stage can be seen to the right. This view is experienced predominantly from the private realm and by users of a public car park.

13

2 UNDERSTANDING

2.3

MANAGEMENT AND USE

Burnley Mechanics is operated by Burnley Leisure Trust, a charitable trust set up to run leisure, arts and cultural services in Burnley Borough. Burnley Mechanics is a multipurpose arts and entertainment venue, and operates two bars, the Colin Sanderson Theatre Bar during performances, and the Lounge Bar. Additionally, the ‘Front Room’ is operated by Simple Classic Bistro and opened in 2015. The Lounge Bar and Front Room, ensure that Burnley Mechanics continues to operate outside of performances.

Burnley Mechanics also offer a number of rooms for hire; the Basement Studio is currently used by dance and theatre schools and as a fitness studio. The Loft (formerly the Tudor Room) is a suitable venue for conferences and functions and is also used as additional changing facilities during large events in the auditorium.

2.4

DESCRIPTION

2.4.1

EXTERIOR: PRINCIPAL ELEVATIONS

The building was originally constructed in 1854-5 on a roughly square plan with its principal entrance facing onto Yorke Street.

Later extensions to the south and west have given it a roughly rectangular plan. The Manchester Road and Yorke Street elevations are of sandstone ashlar in the Palazzo neo-classical style, popular with civic and commercial buildings in the mid-19th century. The topography of the site means that the Manchester Road elevation is of two storeys, with a further basement storey visible in the Yorke Street elevation, set partly behind railings.

14

The Yorke Street entrance is set under a shallow portico on paired Corinthian columns with a tripartite window and balconette over.

Above the double doors is a rendered box with light and ventilation grill. There is also a security light set in a wired cage to the left.

The Manchester Road elevation has two entrances: one into the bistro which has level street access, and the box office entrance via an integrated ramp and steps beneath a modern metal canopy.

The ground floor has chamfered rustication, large semi-circular headed windows with timber casements in the Yorke Street elevation, and venetian windows set in arcaded openings in the Manchester Road elevation with fixed lights. Above, on the first floor, the windows have balustrade balconies and large casement windows.

There is a prominent cornice with modillions and lion masks above the first floor, and the roof is hipped roof with a modern felt covering.

An extension was added in 1888 linking the new Town Hall to Burnley Mechanics. This element can be identified by the slight set back of the Manchester Road elevation and its reduced height, and the lack of pediments to the windows. The door in this extension formerly provided additional access to the hall on the first floor but is now used as a staff entrance.

The 1888 extension to the rear of the building can be identified by the slight set-back in the Yorke Street elevation, but a continued usage of the original architectural language.

KEY ELEMENTS • • • •

•

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

Classical architectural style • with rich detailing • Ashlar sandstone Chamfered rusticated ground floor

•

Large windows, pediments • supported on Corinthian columns and balustraded • balconies.

• Venetian windows to the ground floor, tripartite windows to the first floor •

•

Chamfered quoins

•

Prominent cornice with modillions and lion masks

Felt roof Un-used former entrance on Yorke Street with modern alterations Vegetation growth and algal growth Bird spikes Vents in blocked windows Treatment of lightwell on Yorke Street Visible suspended ceilings through windows

•

Modern signage in windows and attached to building

•

Modern canopy to main entrance

•

Intrusive lighting, spot lighting and wiring

UNDERSTANDING 2

Manchester Road and Yorke Street elevation

Manchester Road elevation. Note the modern signage in the ground floor windows

15

2 UNDERSTANDING

Windows in Yorke Street elevation

16

Entrance to box office with mdoern canopy and signage

Yorke Street Entrance with intrusive rendered boxing above doorway

UNDERSTANDING 2

Felt Roof

Yorke Street 1888 extension. Note suspended ceilings and ventilations grills to the first floor windows and modern external signage to the lower ground floor

Lightwell to lower ground floor and cellar

17

2 UNDERSTANDING

2.4.2 EXTERIOR: REAR ELEVATIONS The rear elevation constructed in 1888 contrasts with the principal elevations. As the rear of the building, the architect has left it largely stripped of decoration and embellishment; an elevation which was not intended for display.

The building rises over four generous storeys above a cellar whose lightwells are just visible at street level. The elevation is of five unequal bays. The ground floor is rusticated; one of the ground floor windows has been reduced in height. There is access to a dance studio via a modern ramp and door. Two windows to the first floor have semi-circular heads with key-stones in contrast to the flat arches of all other windows. The timber windows appear to be a combination of former sliding sashes with additional lights above, and casement windows. The fourth floor is unusual as it possesses a pair of large dormer windows under plain pediments, which give the façade a top-heavy appearance. These windows originally lit the Art School. The elevation has chamfered quoins to both its corners.

The rear elevation also includes a modern extension to the right which gives access to back stage. This area is also the location of the bins. The prominent features are the modern aluminium and glass fire escape, and the overhead crane. Little can be seen of the 1888 southern elevation which is rendered and almost completely obscured by the fire escape.

18

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

Large dormer windows to the upper floor (The Loft)

•

Glazed fire escape

•

Leaking downpipe

•

Cast iron ventilation grills

•

•

Rusticated basement and quoins

Treatment of cellar windows

•

Louvres to glazed lights to rear

•

Visible suspended ceilings through windows

•

Modern signage, pipework and cabling

•

Cement render

UNDERSTANDING 2

The rear elevation

Modern extension and fire escape

Window in rear elevation

Dance studio entrance with ramp and modern signage

Basement lightwell

19

2 UNDERSTANDING

2.4.3

INTERIOR

Basement The basement contains the cellars. These are accessed from two locations; a set of stone stairs from the lower ground floor and a set of steps from within the adjacent scenery workshop. The basement has four distinct character areas; Character Area 1: The original cellars are roughly square on plan and were intended for storage by the Institute; today they have a limited use due to water ingress; however, the scenery workshop utilises a small area for storage. The cellars feature jack arches supported on cast iron beams and columns, exposed rubble walls and stone flag floors throughout. The former windows, some of which open into lightwells, have been largely bricked up.

Character Area 2: The extension to the cellars dating to 1888 has rubble stone walls, stone flag floors and flat ceiling supported on steel joists. The rooms here contain the plant and boiler machinery.

Character Area 3: The former basement of what was probably the original caretaker’s quarters, can be identified by the plastered wall finishes, flat ceilings, stone fireplace and stone staircase (now blocked).

Character Area 4: The scenery workshop occupies an extension between the Institute and Town Hall dating to 1888 and the 1980s. It has a high ceiling and is mainly used for storage but also contains a lift and plant room. This space has clearly undergone a series of major alterations as evidenced by a historic coffered ceiling probably dating to 1888, blocked windows of the original 1855 structure, evidence of wall plaster, and evidence of a former floor level, probably associated with the ceiling above.

20

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

Jack arches

•

Blocked windows

•

Cast iron columns

•

•

Exposed rubble walls

Condition, including water ingress

•

Stone flag floors

•

Underused spaces

•

Historic layout

•

Inserted lift room

•

Loss of historic rooms within the scenery workshop.

UNDERSTANDING 2

N

BASEMENT CHARACTER AREAS PLAN Character Area 1 Character Area 2 Character Area 3 Character Area 4

04

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

02 06 03

05

01

21

2 UNDERSTANDING

01 Jack arches and columns to the cellars

02 Cobbled surface may indicate the former entrance to the cellar prior to the 1888 extension which blocked this access.

04 Plant Room

05 Scenery Workshop within cellars

22

03 Fireplace in the former caretaker’s quarters

06 Scenery Workshop – upper levelcellars

UNDERSTANDING 2

Lower Ground Floor Referred to as the basement or lower ground floor, this level, due to the rising ground, is partly below ground level. There is public access to the dance studio and the toilets. The remaining areas are generally used for storage or are part of the back-of-house areas.

Character Area 1: The dance studio is accessed from a modern entrance to the rear of the building. The interior has a modern fit out including lining to some walls, suspended ceiling and a modern timber sprung floor.

The windows have modern shutters. A single cast iron column is the only discernible historic feature in the room.

A set of steps gives access to the toilets. The steps have a heavy timber handrail and deep skirting, both probably 19th century.

The toilets have a modern fit out.

Character Area 2: The second character area consists of circulation spaces, former offices or workshops, and back-of-house areas.

A spinal corridor, which has no discernible historic features, leads into a number of former offices and workshops. These once formed the core of adult education classrooms once used by the Institute. Today, they have modern fit outs including suspended ceilings, carpeting and lightweight partitions. They feature original cast iron columns and a number of timber windows. In room 220 the lack of a suspended ceiling reveals that the cast iron columns support plastered beams and lath and plaster ceilings. The finish is simple and suggests that original rooms would have been plainly finished. Fragments of historic cornicing could be seen in several rooms.

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

Elements of historic layout

•

•

Some historic windows

Condition including water ingress

•

Cast iron columns

•

Underused spaces

•

High ceilings to some spaces

•

Modern fit out, including suspended ceilings

•

Surviving lath and plaster ceilings

•

Some surviving lime plaster finishes to walls

Other rooms used for storage and cellarage for the bars have modern fit outs.

23

2 UNDERSTANDING

N

LOWER GROUND FLOOR CHARACTER AREAS PLAN Character Area 1 Character Area 2 Plans courtesy of Liberata 01

This plan is not to scale

02

03

04

06

08 07

24

05

UNDERSTANDING 2

01

Dance studio

03

Spinal Corridor

02

04

Stair

Former office now used for storage

25

2 UNDERSTANDING

05

Window in former office

06

Former office now used for storage

07

Typical store-room

08

Fragment of cornice and lath and plaster ceiling above a modern suspended ceiling

26

UNDERSTANDING 2

Ground Floor Character Area 1: Entrance, Box Office and Public Areas The main entrance is via a modern door and draft lobby. The box office to the right is characterised by its bright corner location, lit by a venetian window to Manchester Road and three further windows facing Yorke Street. Despite the height of the room, there is a suspended modern ceiling and the room has a modern fit out.

The entrance corridor leads to the lounge bar which has a modern fit out. The main historic feature within this room is the 19th century open-string staircase with heavily mounded handrail and skirting, cast iron balusters and curtail step.

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

19th century staircases

•

•

Cornicing, windows, coffered ceiling and other historic features within The Front Room

Lack of public access to historic areas such as the former principal entrance and staircases

•

Modern fit outs and suspended ceilings

•

Loss of original layout

The Front Room is accessed from this space, and also has its own access from Manchester Road. The room is used as a bistro and performance space. The key features are the Venetian windows to Manchester Road, moulded cornice, coffered ceiling with moulded brackets and a classical door surround.

Character Area 2: Back-of-house areas and toilets Back-of-house areas of offices, stores and kitchens have modern fit outs. The former principal entrance from Yorke Street is now an emergency exit.

Of interest is a secondary 19th century staircase. It is open-string with cast iron balusters and heavy handrail. The stair leads to the second-floor rooms and is only accessible to staff. Also of note, are the tall windows to the rear elevation which are partially hidden by modern suspended ceilings within the ladies’ toilets and staff offices. Additionally, a staircase within the staff entrance from Manchester Road is stylistically late-19th century in date; it has a heavy-moulded handrail, and newel posts topped with orb-like finials. Located within the 1888 extension, it originally gave access to the assembly hall above. Today the staircase leads back stage.

27

2 UNDERSTANDING

N

GROUND FLOOR CHARACTER AREAS PLAN

Character Area 1 Character Area 2 Plans courtesy of Liberata

09

12

This plan is not to scale

13 14 15

08

05

10

04 03 06

01

07 11

28

02

UNDERSTANDING 2

01

Entrance

05

Stair (detail)

02

Box Office

03

Lounge Bar

04

Stair

06

Front Room Bistro

07

Venetian window in the Front Room 29

2 UNDERSTANDING

08

Kitchen

13

19th century staircase, now a staff staircase

30

09

Ladies Toilets

14

10

Former main entrance from Yorke Street

Roller shutters and anti-climb wire to the principal staircase

11

Former staircase to assembly hall

15

Heavily moulded skirting to principal staircase

12

Offices

UNDERSTANDING 2

First Floor Character Area 1: Theatre bar and circulation spaces The principal staircase leads to the first floor and provides access to the Colin Sanderson Theatre Bar and auditorium. The 19th century main stair has a modern suspended ceiling and has also been fitted with roller shutters and anti-climb wire. At the half landing the wall has been faced in grey marble with a commemoration stone marking the reopening of the building by Queen Elizabeth in 1987.

For the less ambulant, the first-floor can also be accessed via a lift.

There is ramped disabled access and a disabled toilet. The theatre bar has a modern fit out. The high windows to the rear are obscured by a suspended modern ceiling.

Character Area 2: Auditorium The auditorium is a large double-height space which was given a modern fit out in the 1980s when the majority of historic fabric was removed. This followed a catastrophic failure of the roof in the 1960s. The auditorium is filled by flexible raked seating, the walls have a modern timber wainscot with plaster board walls above, the ceiling is modern. The windows to Manchester Road and Yorke Street have been blocked. The Manchester Road elevation has paired and single Corinthian pilasters which reflect the historic arrangement of this wall, and may retain some original fabric.

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

Large hall retaining use as an entertainment space

•

Blocked windows

•

•

Pilasters

Loss of original layout and balcony

•

Evidence to rear of stage of • historic alterations to fabric

Modern fit out to the historic staircase

•

Exposed quoins of the original building

•

Roller shutters and anti-climb wire.

The rear of the stage has a white screen, and areas of exposed brickwork have otherwise been painted black. The wall fabric and blocked windows evidence a series of alterations and extensions which have taken place to this part of the building over the last 160 years.

Character Area 3: Back Stage To the rear of the stage is a workshop. There is also access to the loading bay and lift. Of interest is an area of exposed quoins which mark the corner of the 1855 building.

31

2 UNDERSTANDING

N

FIRST FLOOR CHARACTER AREAS PLAN

Character Area 1 Character Area 2 Character Area 3

04

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

05

11

03

01

02

14 12 13

06 09 08 10

32

07

UNDERSTANDING 2

01

Landing on main staircase

04

Theatre Bar

02

Access to Colin Sanderson Theatre Bar

03

05

Theatre Bar

Alternative access to Theatre Bar

06

Auditorium

33

2 UNDERSTANDING

07

Auditorium

08

Auditorium

10

Ceiling to auditorium

11

Quoins of the original 1855 structure

34

12

Wall evidencing alterations

09

Auditorium

13

Below Stage

14

Stair and corridor to ground floor

UNDERSTANDING 2

Second Floor Character Area 1: The Loft (formerly the Tudor Room).

The Loft (formerly the Tudor Room) was originally constructed for the Art School in 1888. The room has two large windows facing north-west. The ceiling has exposed beams with heavy braces, and round air ventilators. The walls have a picture rail and timber wainscot. The room has received a modern fit-out including a partition to the northern end, and a set of concertina doors to enable the room to be divided into two.

Character Area 2: Circulation spaces, toilets and changing rooms The remainder of the second floor contains circulation spaces toilets, showers and dressing rooms, all with a modern fit out. The 19th century back staircase which has restricted access rises to this level, and is fitted with a glazed lobby with coded access at the top.

KEY ELEMENTS

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

•

The Loft retains much of its historic character and features

•

Inserted partition wall in The Loft

•

•

Large windows to The Loft

Modern fit out of remaining spaces

•

Exposed roof beams in The Loft

•

Loss of original layout

•

•

Ceiling ventilators in The Loft

Security lobby to top of 19th century staircase

35

2 UNDERSTANDING

N

SECOND FLOOR CHARACTER AREAS PLAN

Character Area 1 Character Area 2

04 02 03

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

05 06

07

36

08

09

10

01

UNDERSTANDING 2

01 General view of The Loft

03 Ceiling of The Loft

02 General view of The Loft

04 Window within The Loft

05 Modern partition in The Loft

37

2 UNDERSTANDING

06 Lobby at top of 19th century back stair

08 Corridor

38

09 Level change in corridor

07 Dressing room

10 Toilets

UNDERSTANDING 2

2.5

DESIGNATIONS

2.5.2

2.5.1

LISTED BUILDINGS

The site is located within the Town Centre Conservation Area. It is also located 100m north of the Canalside Conservation Area which runs along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. These boundaries are shown on the plan opposite. A Conservation Area Appraisal for the Town Centre was not available when this report was produced.

Listed buildings are structures of special architectural and historic interest which make up England’s historic environment. They are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and alterations or demolitions require Listed Building Consent from the local planning authority before they can proceed.

CONSERVATION AREAS

The Site Grade II* Grade II Town Centre Conservation Area Canalside Conservation Area This plan is not to scale

N

Burnley Mechanics is Grade II*, putting it in the top 8% of historic buildings in the country. The Listed Description details the exterior of the building only – this does not, however, mean that the interior is excluded from protection, only that the interior was not visited at the time the building was entered onto the List. The entry is reproduced in Appendix B. There are a number of Listed Buildings within the visual envelope of the site: •

Burnley Town Hall, UID 1244910 Grade II

•

Former Public Hall and Technical School, Elizabeth Street UID 1244799 Grade II

•

41, Manchester Road UID 1244887 Grade II

•

72 and 74, Manchester Rd UID 1244889 Grade II

•

Endsleigh Insurance Imperial Chambers, 32 Manchester Rd. UID 1244886 Grade II

All listed buildings within the immediate vicinity are shown on the opposite map.

(Base plan © GoogleEarth Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky 2016)

39

2 UNDERSTANDING

2.6 PLANNING CONTEXT AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The management of Burnley Mechanics is subject to a number of statutory measures and planning policy frameworks that seek to ensure that any change on the site takes place in an informed and appropriate manner. The following summary sets out the key legislation and planning guidance relevant to the heritage assets connected with the site.

1. National policy and guidance PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT (1990) Listed Buildings are designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 for their special architectural or historic interest. Listing gives them protection as alterations, additions or demolitions are controlled by Listed Building Consent, which is required by local planning authorities when change is proposed. Conservation Areas are also protected under Section 69 of the same act.

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK The National Planning Policy Framework was published 27 March 2012 and sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied in ‘the presumption in favour of sustainable development’. It outlines the Government’s requirements for the planning system only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. The NPPF is a material consideration for local planning authorities in determining planning and LBC applications. It supersedes and vastly simplifies the policy that previously existed in the form of Planning Policy Statements.

40

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

REQUIRING GOOD DESIGN

The National Planning Policy Framework sets out in Achieving Sustainable Development that:

The NPPF attaches great importance to the design of the built environment:

The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Pursuing sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historic environment, as well as in people’s quality of life.

Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people. Paragraph 56

In particular, this positive improvement can take the form of replacing poor design with better design. Development should always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and buildings and take account of the different roles and character of different areas (Paragraph 9).

Plans and decisions need to take local circumstances into account, so that they respond to the different opportunities for achieving sustainable development in different areas. There are three dimensions to sustainable development:

Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments (Paragraph 58): •

Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development;

•

Respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation;

•

Are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping.

UNDERSTANDING 2

NEW DEVELOPMENT New sustainable development should protect and enhance our historic environment (paragraph 7). Pursuing sustainable development involves seeking improvements in the quality of the historic environment, replacing poor design with better design (paragraph 9).

New development should make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness (paragraph 131).

CONSERVING AND ENHANCING THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT The objectives of the policies protecting the historic environment are to maintain and manage change to heritage assets in a way that sustains and, where appropriate, enhances its significance. In order to make a sound decision, a planning authority needs to understand the significance of any heritage asset affected.

Planning decisions should aim to ensure that new developments (paragraphs 58, 60 and 61):

When determining applications, the authority should take into account the Government objectives as expressed in the overarching definition of sustainable development and particularly (paragraph 131):

•

establish a strong sense of place;

•

•

respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation;

•

address the connections between people and places;

•

integrate with the historic environment; and

•

promote or reinforce local distinctiveness.

the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of all heritage assets (whether designated or not) and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;

•

the positive contribution that conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities, including their economic vitality; and

•

the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.

Designated heritage assets are subject to specific policies (paragraphs 132 and 139) that require great weight be given to their conservation in all decisions, clear and convincing justification for any harm to significance.

CONSERVATION AREAS A conservation area is defined by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

The NPPF states in Paragraph 137: Local planning authorities should look for opportunities for new development within Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites and within the setting of heritage assets to enhance or better reveal their significance. Proposals that preserve those elements of the setting that make a positive contribution to or better reveal the significance of the asset should be treated favourably.

JUSTIFYING HARM All grades of harm, including total destruction, minor physical harm and harm through change to the setting, can be justified on the grounds of public benefits that outweigh that harm taking account of the ‘great weight’ to be given to conservation and provided the justification is clear and convincing (paragraphs 133 and 134).

Public benefits will most likely be the fulfilment of one or more of the objectives of sustainable development as set out in the NPPF, provided the benefits will endure for the wider community and not just for private individuals or corporations.

Pursuing sustainable development involves seeking positive improvement in the quality of the built environment. Substantial harm or loss should be refused unless it is demonstrated that it is necessary to deliver substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm (paragraphs 8, 9 and 133). The public benefits may be achieved with less or no harm by alternative design or location.

41

2 UNDERSTANDING

HISTORIC ENGLAND, CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES, 2008 Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, published by English Heritage (now Historic England), provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of the historic environment, wherein ‘Conservation’ is defined as the process of managing change to a significant place and its setting in ways that will best sustain its heritage values, while recognising opportunities to reveal or reinforce those values for present and future generations. ‘Conservation Principles’ sets out the principles that: •

the historic environment is a shared resource

•

everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment

•

understanding the significance of places is vital

•

significant places should be managed to sustain their values

•

decisions about change must be reasonable, transparent and consistent

•

documenting and learning from decisions is essential

The guidance describes a set of four heritage values, which are used to assess the significance of a heritage asset: evidential value, historical value, aesthetic value and communal value. The assessment of significance within this report uses the ‘values’ set out within this guidance.

42

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT GOOD PRACTICE ADVICE IN PLANNING NOTE 3: THE SETTING OF HERITAGE ASSETS (2015), HISTORIC ENGLAND This document provides guidance on how changes within the setting of a listed building, conservation area, scheduled monument, etc. can affect the significance of an asset itself.

It sets out how the significance of a heritage asset derives not only from its physical presence and historic fabric but also from its setting – the surroundings in which it is experienced. The careful management of change within the surroundings of heritage assets therefore makes an important contribution to the quality of the places in which we live.

Change, including development, can sustain, enhance or better reveal the significance of an asset as well as detract from it or leave it unaltered. Understanding the significance of a heritage asset will enable the contribution made by its setting to be understood.

HISTORIC ENGLAND: SEEING THE HISTORY IN VIEW, 2015 This document offers guidance for initial baseline analysis of the heritage significance in any selected view, followed by assessment of the impact on that significance of particular development proposals. It is currently being updated to reflect the NPPF but still offers a consistent and positive approach to managing change within the setting of heritage assets.

BUILDING IN CONTEXT: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HISTORIC AREAS This guidance document prepared by CABE and English Heritage (now Historic England) states that the examination of the context for any proposed development is the right approach to good design. Following an informed character appraisal, a successful project will: •

Relate well to the geography and history of the place and the lie of the land

•

Sit happily in the pattern of existing development and routes through and around it

•

Respect important views

•

Respect the scale of neighbouring buildings

•

Use materials and building methods which are as high in quality as those used in existing buildings

•

Create new views and juxtapositions which add to the variety and texture of the setting

UNDERSTANDING 2

2. Local planning policy The Burnley Local Plan sets the land use planning framework for the Borough and promotes and controls development. The Burnley Local Plan was adopted on the 4th April 2006. Burnley’s emerging local plan is currently being developed and will replace the existing Local Plan.

Policies that are pertinent to Burnley Mechanics are as follows: E10 – ALTERATIONS, EXTENSIONS, CHANGE OF USE AND DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS The Council will not permit proposals which adversely affect the character, architectural or historic interest of a Listed Building, or its setting. Proposals will only be permitted where they: (a) (b) (c)

(d)

(e)

retain and repair features of architectural or historic interest; use appropriate materials and traditional working practices; have no adverse effect on the setting of the building, including trees, walls, gardens, and any other structure or object within the curtilage of the building; make provision for the appropriate recording of any architectural or historic features that are to be removed during repair or alteration; and are appropriate in terms of siting, size, scale and design of any extension.

E12 – DEVELOPMENT IN, OR ADJACENT TO, CONSERVATION AREAS The Council will preserve and enhance the character of the Borough’s Conservation Areas, shown on the Proposals Map. Where permission for new development and/or alterations to buildings in the Conservation Areas is required, permission will only be granted when the following criteria are satisfied: (a)

(b)

(c) (d)

(e)

the proposal respects the character of the Conservation Area in terms of quality, siting, detailing, height, scale, materials, landscaping and external appearance; the proposal will enhance the streetscape and retain historic street patterns and materials, avoiding the creation of a gap in an established frontage, or the inclusion of inappropriate buildings or features which detract from the townscape features that make the Conservation Area special; significant views into and out of the Conservation Area are safeguarded; the proposal does not lead to the loss of open space, trees or other landscape features which contribute to the area; and the proposal does not generate levels of traffic and parking which would be detrimental to the character or appearance of the area.

Burnley Council is drawing up a new planning framework for Burnley which will replace the Burnley Local Plan Second Review of 2006. Although still undergoing consultation the emerging plan has policies which relate to heritage: Policy HE1: Identifying and Protecting Burnley’s Historic Environment 1)

2)

The Council will proactively manage and work with property owners and other stakeholders to ensure positive, wellinformed and collaborative conservation that recognises and reinforces the significance of the built historic environment and its contribution to local identity and distinctiveness whilst accommodating the changes necessary to secure viable uses and enjoyment for future generations.

Key elements that contribute to the distinct identity of the borough that will therefore be a priority for safeguarding and enhancing, include: a) The industrial heritage related to the textile industry, in particular, mills, weaving sheds, chimneys and associated housing; public buildings and the legacy of public parks and gardens; b) The heritage assets associated with and that contribute to the character of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, including canal-related infrastructure such as bridges, wharfs and warehouses; c) Pre-industrial townscape including barns, farmhouses, cottages and higher status buildings of 16th and 17th Century origins; and d) Historic town centres.

43

2 UNDERSTANDING

3)

44

In addition to its role in protecting heritage assets in response to development proposals, the Council will maximise the benefits of the borough’s historic built environment through the following actions: a) Identifying grants and funding opportunities for heritage-led regeneration initiatives, especially in those areas where the historic environment has been identified as being most at risk; b) Maintaining a record of Heritage Assets at Risk through neglect, decay or other threats and addressing such assets in a positive manner, proactively seeking solutions for assets at risk through discussions with owners and a willingness to consider positively development schemes that would ensure the repair and maintenance of the asset and, as a last resort, using statutory powers; c) Introducing Article 4 Directions where there is clear justification to introduce stricter controls; d) maintaining a Local List as a principal means of identifying non-designated heritage assets that make a positive contribution to local character and sense of place because of their heritage value; e) Maintaining and developing effective control and taking enforcement action in respect of unauthorised works to designated heritage assets or within their settings where it is expedient to do so; and f) Engaging local people in discovering, presenting and conserving the borough’s heritage and offering help, advice and information as appropriate.

4)

The Council will encourage, wherever possible, opportunities to enhance or better reveal the significance of heritage assets or their setting for example through repairs, reinstatement of lost architectural features, reversal of previous inappropriate changes; and measures to secure their long-term maintenance. This will normally be a requirement where grant assistance is being offered or enabling development considered

d)

4)

Policy HE2: Designated Heritage Assets 1)

2)

3)

Proposals affecting designated heritage assets and/or their settings will be assessed having regard to the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of the asset and, where appropriate, securing a viable use most consistent with its conservation. Less than Substantial Harm (i.e. Harm) Where proposals would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, or its setting, the harm will be weighed against the public benefit of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use.

Assessing Harm For Schemes directly affecting a designated heritage asset: In considering proposals for works of alterations and extensions to listed building or within a conservation area or historic park & garden, schemes will be expected to: a) Conserve, and where appropriate repair or reinstate, those elements that contribute to the significance of the heritage asset including its design, character, architectural features of interest, appearance, structure, principal components; b) Use traditional, local materials and respect local building techniques and details; c) Respect existing hard and soft landscape features including open space, trees, boundary treatments (railings and gates) and surfacing; and

5)

Respect layout and historic patterns of development including street patterns, characteristics of grain, plot boundaries and frontage widths. For Schemes affecting the setting of a designated heritage asset: New development affecting the setting of a designated heritage asset will be expected to: a) Maintain the aspects of the setting which contribute to its significance including views into and out of it, and the general relationship between the asset and the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; and b) Respect the character of existing architecture by having due regard to positioning and grouping of buildings, roofscapes and skylines, form, scale, enclosure, architectural styles; detailing and use traditional or complimentary materials. Substantial Harm or Loss Consent will not be granted for proposals that lead to substantial harm to or the total loss of the significance of a designated heritage asset, including through its setting, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or all the following apply: a) The nature of the heritage asset is preventing all reasonable uses of the site; b) No viable use of the heritage asset that can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; c) Conservation by grant funding or charitable or public ownership of the asset is demonstrably not possible; and d) The harm or loss is outweighed by the benefits of bringing the site back into use.

UNDERSTANDING 2

6)

Where the loss of the whole or a significant part of a heritage asset is determined to be acceptable, arrangements, through condition or agreement, will be put in place to ensure that assets should be recorded, analysed and reported where appropriate and that no loss will be permitted without taking all reasonable steps to ensure that the new development will proceed after the loss has occurred.

45

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3.1

HISTORY OF BURNLEY

It is thought that the name Burnley means ‘meadow by the River Brun’, and has been variously referred to in documents as Bronley (1241), Brunley (1251) and Brumleye (1294).01 The name does not appear in the Domesday survey but there are records that a church existed in 1120 and a market and fair were established in 1294.02 Burnley appears to have remained a small agricultural community centred around the church of St Peter’s during the medieval period. The market cross was erected in 1295 and is now located in a garden near the old grammar school.03 Burnley grew as a market town in the post-medieval period. The grammar school was established in 1559 and around this time the church was largely rebuilt. Weaving was established in the 17th century initially manufacturing wool cloth; this was replaced by cotton in the early-19th century. Burnley’s first weaving factories were located near the confluence of the River Calder and Brun, which they relied upon for power. Coal also became an important industry in Burnley.

The cloth industry was boosted both by the advancement of technology (in the form of steam power and in the development of looms) and also by improved communications which could transport raw products and finished goods. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal was built in 1796 and the railway came to Burnley in 1848. By the second half of the 19th century, Burnley was a leading player in the production of cotton cloth. The area by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, located on the south-west edge of the town, was where much of the industry was located, and is now known as the ‘Weaver’s Triangle’. Many of the weaving sheds, spinning mills, foundries and houses related to the industry still survive.

At its height in the early-20th century there were as many as 99,000 looms in operation in Burnley and a population of over 100,000.04 The decline of the cotton industry began following the First World War and continued through the 20th century, along with the closure of the coal mining industry and a decline in the town’s population. The cloth and mining industries have been replaced in part by the high-tech aerospace industry in more recent years.

01 William Farrer and J Brownbill (eds), 1911, ‘Townships: Burnley’, in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6, pp. 441-454. British History Online http://www. british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol6/pp441-454 [accessed 9 March 2017].

02

Ibid

03

Ibid

46

04

http://www.spinningtheweb.org.uk/

Warf on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

3.2

BURNLEY MECHANICS TIMELINE

1833

1834

1838

Burnley Mechanics Institution was founded at Bracewell & Co, Burnley Iron Works (formerly located to the south of Sandygate and on the western side of what is now Queen’s Lancashire Way). Initially formed as a book club for mill workers under the guidance of Thomas Booth who worked as a cashier at the foundry. Four men were pioneer members of the Institute giving one shilling to the organisation. They were John Hargreaves, Thomas Coupe, Jeremiah Brown and Richard Hargreaves.05

The Mechanics Library was set up in a room in the Swan Hotel in St James’s Street. The first president was Peregrine Edward Towneley, with James Marsland as vice-president. Thomas Booth, who the year earlier set up the book club, became the first librarian for the Mechanics.06

Richard Charles took over as librarian for payment of one shilling week.07

05

06

07

Burnley Express, Saturday 06 January 1883, p6

Ibid

Ibid

47

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1841

Success of the library allowed it to move to larger premises in St James’ Row, above a liquor store. By this time classes were being held in several subjects and the name Burnley Mechanics Library was changed to Burnley Mechanics Institution.08

Context: Mechanics Institutes Mechanics Institutes were formed as educational establishments as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution. They provided adult education, particularly in technical subjects to working men, who had frequently been denied a full education in their youth. A key feature, beside the provision of teaching classrooms, was the provision of a library which was designed to provide working class men with an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking. They tended to be founded by local philanthropists who may have seen the benefits of educating the deserving of the working class – whether this was for their own financial benefits to produce better skilled employees, because of their religious faith, or for political reasons, continues to be debated amongst historians.

The movement’s founder is regarded as George Birkbeck (1776-1841).

Whilst working at Anderson University in Glasgow in 1799, he worked with the local ‘mechanics’ who were building equipment he required to conduct experiments. The term ‘mechanic’ in the early 19th century referred to the skilled craftsmen who worked and maintained the machinery which was emerging in the Industrial Revolution. Birkbeck was impressed by the curiosity of these men and their thirst for knowledge. As a result, he began holding ‘mechanics classes’; these were a series of lectures entitled ‘Mechanical affectations of solid and fluid bodies’. The lecture series was extremely successful and continued at Anderson University until the official formation of the Glasgow Mechanics Institution in 1823.

The first Mechanics Institute in England was in Liverpool. Which was incorporated in 1823. This was followed by the London Mechanics Institute (Birkbeck College) later that year.

The Mechanics Institutions which emerged, revolutionised access to education in science and technology for ordinary people. Women were eventually admitted and were to form an increasing percentage of membership.

With the emergence of free libraries, further education and technical colleges, the Mechanics Institute’s role as a centre for self-improvement became less essential, and they increasing became social venues. The educational function frequently evolved into the colleges and universities of today; the Edinburgh Mechanics Institute, for example, became part of Heriot-Watt University. Burnley Mechanics Institute’s educational function of Mechanics Institutes was to eventually become Burnley College.

The Mechanics movement was so popular that it spread to the British Colonies, with Mechanics Institutes established in Australia, USA, Canada and Hong Kong.

The first ‘Mechanics Institute’ was in fact founded in Edinburgh in 1821 as a School of Arts with the provision of technical education for working people and professionals, inspired, presumably by Birkbeck’s model. Its purpose was to ‘address societal needs by incorporating fundamental scientific thinking and research into engineering solutions’.09 09 08

48

Ibid

Mechanics Institutes, http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Mechanics’_Institutes/

George Birkbeck

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1844

The Mechanics moved again, this time to Chancery Street, off of St James’s Street. Dr Coultate joined the Mechanics to teach music. The organisation grew and also attracted the support of the wealthier members of Burnley society, many of whom supported through donations, holding positions on the board or by teaching classes. It was clear, however, that Burnley Mechanics required new premises.10

15 November 1851

The foundation stone of the new Burnley Mechanics Institute was laid by the president Colonel Towneley, son of the first president of the Mechanics to great pomp and ceremony.

The new building was designed in the Italianate Palazzo style by a local man, James Green of Todmorden. The Italianate style was fashionable during this period, and often applied to civic and commercial buildings. It has been suggested that the architect may have studied Heywood’s Bank in St Ann Street, Manchester, which was similar in appearance and completed in 1849-50.11

An early depiction of Burnley Mechanics circa 1855

10

Ibid

Heywoods Bank, St Anne’s Street, Manchester (Manchester history.net)

11 Dr Frank Salmon, 2014, ‘The Battle of the Style Continued’, in The Victorian Society in Manchester, Summer Newsletter p2

49

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT April 1852

The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal described the new building which was under construction. In the absence of building plans, it is also useful in reconstructing the original layout.

The site selected for this building is at the junction of two streets, Market-street12 and Yorke-street, to both of which the principal fronts will be presented. The nature of the site admits two stories below the level of Market-street, the lower of which will be used as store vaults, and will be built fireproof, with brick arches on iron beams; the entrance to the vaults will be from a back street.

The second basement story will be occupied by large class rooms and porter’s living and lodging rooms.

The ground or principal story will be approached from Yorke-street by twelve steps, and will have a portico with four coupled disengaged Corinthian columns supporting entablature and balustrade. The hall and principal staircase will be spacious and well lighted; the opening from it right and left, are- news room, 36 feet by 28 feet; reading room, 28 feet by 28 feet; library, 30feet by 19 feet; committee room, 30 feet by 22 feet; and two shops or offices fronting Market-street, each 28 feet by 18 feet.

The first story above ground floor will be occupied entirely by the assembly and lecture room, 72 feet by 32 feet, inclusive of ladies and gentlemen’s ante and retiring rooms, over which will be a gallery for orchestral and other purposes, and which will be separated from the main room by twelve coupled Corinthian columns supporting entablature &c. The walls of assembly room will be decorated with coupled Corinthian pilasters supporting entablature, with modillion cornice, from which springs a coved and panelled enriched ceiling, with large circular dome of stained glass in the centre, over which on flat of roof will be a lantern light.13 The article also tells us that it was to be built of stone from the Catlow Quarry and would cost £4500.00, all of which was to be raised by subscription. It was also intended that the frieze below the eaves would contain an inscription, but this does not appear to have been carried out. Also unclear is whether the shops or offices facing onto Market Street (now Manchester Road), intended as a commercial venture for the Institute, ever materialised.

At the time, the building drew some criticism from some quarters for its lack of symmetry between the windows on the ground and those on that first floor. The railings on the Yorke Street elevation sloped rather than being horizontal as was befitting of a classical frontage, and the columns of the portico were too short in comparison to the ‘lofty’ blocks on which they stood. As such it was described as a ‘violation of architectural grammar’.14

13 The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, ‘New Mechanics Institute, Burnley’, April 1852, no 217, vol xv, p81 12

50

Now Manchester Road

14 The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, ‘Retrospective Criticism’, May 1852, no 218, vol xv, p121

An early image of Burnley Mechanics taken before the construction of the Town Hall in 1888. Note the fenestration today has changed little from this early image.

Additionally, windows of the lower ground floor are clearly visible behind the area railings (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

James Green, Architect (1822-1886) James Green of Portsmouth House, Todmorden, was born in 1822.

He was the son of John and Alice Green, farmers in Whalley. He was a pupil of Messrs George Stephenson and TL Gooch, Civil Engineers, and of the architect Leigh Hall.

He designed the 37-metre-high monument on Stoodley Pike in 1854, after the earlier monument which commemorated the victory of the Battle of Waterloo collapsed.

The Peel Institution in Accrington was constructed in 1857-8 and, also designed by Green, in associated with T Birtwhistle. The building was designed in the Classical Revival style with a prominent porte-cochere with six Corinthian columns and richly decorated interiors. There are parallels here with the Burnley Mechanics Institute, as the building was originally leased to the Accrington Mechanics Institute for social and educational purposes and for use as a News Room and Assembly Hall for the local community. Now the Town Hall, it is Grade II* listed.

Accrington Town Hall 1857-8

Green demonstrated his versatility by also designing in the Gothic style. All Saints Church, Harley Wood, Todmorden was opened in 1858. Sadly, following the church’s closure in 1972, it was demolished in 1975.

He was also responsible for the restoration of the chancel at Whalley Church, the Market Hall in Burnley and a Portsmouth Mill, a former cotton spinning mill in Todmorden.15

15

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Portsmouth_Mill,_Todmorden

Harley Wood Church 1858

Burnley’s now demolished Market Hall

51

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT July 1854

1860s and 1870s

The Mechanics Institution move into their new premises from temporary accommodation in the Technical School on Elizabeth Street.

Despite the increase in membership and expansion of their offering to the people of Burnley, the depression in the cotton trade caused by the Civil War in America forced the Mechanics into debt. A Smoking and Conversation Room was added in 1865 and a Billiards Room in 1871.

Photograph of Burnley Mechanics taken between 1855 and 1887. (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

52

1881

The Institute’s number of courses and studentship continued to grow making it one of the most important centres of adult education in Lancashire.

The School of Art was opened with 168 students.

1883

1885

The Institution celebrated its Jubilee of 50 years’ educational services in Burnley. They also cleared the outstanding debt of £3000 still owed from the building’s construction.

By 1885 the School of Art now had 250 students. A further 500 were taking science and technology and 300 in other subjects.

1877 bill announcing forthcoming cookery lectures (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1886

William Groom (1860-1931) becomes caretaker for Burnley Mechanics Institute. His memories of the Institute have been collated in the booklet ‘The Cares of a Burnley Caretaker’.16 He recalls the Institute in its original form, before later alterations. The billiards room was in the front of the building and the reading room to the rear. The evening school, which was in the basement, was accessed at the rear, via an incline from Yorke Street. He recounts that the hall by the library had an ‘uninviting narrow staircase which would have been a death-trap in an emergency’.17 His description of the present staircase as ‘narrow’ is curious and does not accord with the present arrangement of the stair. It is possible that the present stair is a result of later alterations, particularly as it breaks through the rear wall of the earlier building.

16 Originally serialised in the Burnley Express from 1927 to 1928 and published in 2011 by the Burnley and District Historical Society 17 W Groom, 2011, The Cares of a Burnley Caretaker p5

1887-88

The growing number of students led the Institute to commission an extension. The building was initially enlarged southwards along Manchester Road to provide a new entrance into the assembly hall and an extension to the stage. Until 1888 it had been only suitable for single performers. A cloakroom was also formed as part of this new extension. William Groom recalls that the basement was initially devoted to textile classes.

Two hand looms were installed in the basement, although textile classes were to transfer to the Technology School in Elizabeth Street.18 Once these alterations were complete, the Directors sanctioned a new Art School to the rear, beside Yorke Road. It extended the teaching provision which also included a chemistry laboratory.

The Burnley Express, reporting on the Annual Meeting in February 1889, described the new accommodation: The extension consists of four storeys; the rooms on the ground floor and first floor, along with classrooms in the old building, are for the purpose of science and technical instruction, the upper two floors being devoted to the art classes. There are already eight class rooms on the ground floor of the Institution.

New rooms are now provided including chemical laboratory with working benches for 30 students, balance room, science lecture room, and preparation room; there is a large science room and billiard room on the first floor, The art rooms compromise 18

Ibid, p8

mechanical and general drawing rooms, modelling, antiques, and painting rooms, with master’s room; on each floor provision is made for drawing-board racks, cloak rooms, and lavatories &c. The reading room has also been considerably enlarged, and is now a handsome, well-lighted room.19 The new building was designed by William A. Waddington and Sons. The Yorke Street elevation adopted a very similar architectural style and detailing as the original, including a rusticated ground floor and balconies to the first-floor windows. The Manchester Road elevation, however, lacked the pediments and high eves of Green’s building, although elevation drawings dated 1887 suggest they had originally intended it should topped by a balustrade and rise to a similar height. The new extensions and alterations to the library and new entrance cost £10,000.

Burnley Mechanics photographed in the late 19th century after the construction of the Town Hall (By kind permission of Burnley Central

Library, Community History Services)

The new wing was opened on 19th October 1888

by Mr Alderman Keighley. At the same time the new Town Hall designed by Holtom and Fox of Dewsbury was opened adjacent.

Two set of plans for the new extension were submitted to the Improvement Committee. One design included provision for two bedroom accommodation on the ground floor and an alternative design for the Yorke Street elevation.

This design was not taken forward, but the approved plans, shown on the following pages, were passed in May 1887.

19

An art lesson in what is now the Tudor Room, now The Loft.(By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

Burnley Express and Advertiser. February 2nd. 1889, p 7

53

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1887

Plan of Manchester Road extension, 1887

54

Elevations of the Manchester Road extension, 1887

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1887 Cont

1887 plan of the cellar

1887 plan of the lower ground floor, then referred to as the ground floor

55

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1887 Cont

1887 plan of the ground floor, then referred to as the 1st floor

56

1887 plan of the first floor of the new extension, then referred to as the 2nd Floor

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1887 Cont

1887 plan of the second floor, then referred to as the 3rd floor

Unexecuted design for the Yorke Street elevation from 1887

57

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1893

1902

Membership was said to be almost 2,500 and the library 16,000 volumes with a circulation of over 40,000 volumes. The Institution had 800 students attending lessons and could now instruct in ‘almost every branch of science and art’. Classes were also run in commercial and general subjects. 20

The Institute opened a dedicated Ladies Reading Room on June 11th. The room was described in an official notice as ‘liberally supplied with suitable Magazines, Weekly Illustrated Papers, &c’ but were advised that they would have to ‘avail themselves of the Gentleman’s Reading Room for Daily Papers.’ A charge of 5 /was charged for the year for the use.

1904

The Mechanics Institution hosted a lecture ‘Two Years in the Antarctic’ by Lieutenant Albert B. Armitage of the Royal Naval Reserve. Armitage was appointed mate and navigator by Scott on the Discovery expedition to the South Pole, though was soon made second-in-command of the expedition by Scott after himself. His responsibility on the expedition was to survey amongst the Victoria Land mountains to the west of McMurdo Sound. He led sledging parties exploring the Ferrar Glacier reaching an altitude of about 2750m (9000ft) finding the route that Scott used later on to reach the Polar Plateau on his journey to the pole.21

An invitation to a ball in the Assembly Room to raise funds for the new wing, October 18th 1889.

(By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

Albert Armitage, navigator on Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.

20

58

Barrett’s Directory of Burney and District, 1893 p18

21 Biography of Albert Borlase Armitage (1864-1943) http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/ History/biography/armitage_albert.htm

1905

To commemorate 50 years since the opening of the Burnley Mechanic’s new building, the Directors launch an appeal to members to clear the outstanding debt of £800 still owed following the extension’s construction.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1909

Burnley’s Municipal College opens and adult education classes are transferred from the Mechanics. William Groom the caretaker also moves to the college.

Membership of the Institute begins to decline.

During July of 1909, plans were drawn up by Burnley’s Borough Surveyor, GH Pickles, of the lower ground floor (basement), ground floor and the first floor. They provide us with a snap-shot of the layout of Burnley Mechanics, and of room use, at the point classes were being transferred to the new college.

The plans (held in Lancashire Archives, Preston) are shown on the next three pages.

Chess club at Burnley Mechanics Institute. Note the heavy six-panelled door, high ceilings, picture rail and timber wainscot .

In 1909, the chess club was located in the area now occupied by the ground floor ladies toilets. (undated) (Burnley Local Studies Library).

Reading Room. Note the high ceiling and heavy moulded cornice, picture rail, deeply moulded skirting and timber partitioning. A comfortable chair can be seen in the next room (undated) (Burnley Local Studies Library).

59

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1909 cont

A B C D E F G

A

Billiard Room Photographic Dark Room Store Room Class Room Physics Preparation Room Chemical Laboratory Lecture Room

E

B

C

C

F

D

D

D G

Lower Ground Floor Plan of Burnley Mechanics, July 1909 showing the position of classrooms and billiard room. The present Dance Studio was at this time a Chemical Laboratory and Lecture Room. (CBBU/ acc8040/47 - by kind permission of Lancashire Archives)

60

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1909 cont

A

A B C D E F G H I J K

B

D

E

C

Hall Committee Room Exchange Reading Room Library Book Stores Library Exchange News Room Ladies Reading Room Coffee Room Secretary’s Room Members Reading Room Chess Room

H

A

I

F G

J

K

Ground Floor Plan of Burnley Mechanics, July 1909. (CBBU/ acc8040/47 - by kind permission of Lancashire Archives)

61

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1909 cont

1921

Plans were approved to insert an additional exit from the side balcony. The plan of the auditorium shows the hall had tiered balconies on two walls. The classrooms which formerly occupied the rear of the building had by now been combined to create the Small Assembly Room. This plan is reproduced in appendix B.

B

A B C D E F G

D

Assembly Hall Ante Room Kitchen Store Office Mechanical Room Art Room

F C A

B

D G E

First Floor Plan of Burnley Mechanics, July 1909. (CBBU/ acc8040/47 - by kind permission of Lancashire Archives)

62

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1937

1959-1960

The building is described as follows: ‘exchange and institution reading rooms occupy a large portion of the ground floor; there is also a ladies’ reading room and bridge room provided, billiard room (four tables), chess and smoking room, coffee rooms, rooms for a drama guild, badminton, etc.’

Membership of the Mechanics Institute was by now just 372.

Membership had been declining for a number of years and its expenditure had outstripped its income. Maintenance of the building had been neglected. By 1959, closure of the Institute was inevitable and its furniture was sold in auction in August.

It goes on to describe the library and membership: ‘The library contains 24,407 volumes, the circulation is over 55,000 volumes per annum, the number of members of exchange, institution and library is 1,450. The large hall or assembly room will seat 1,350.’22 Membership of the Institute was 3,231. 23

Proposals by the Trustees to turn the building into a warehouse were refused by Burnley Corporation, who were then served a Purchase Notice by the Trustees. This was approved in a Public Inquiry, and Burnley Mechanics came under the ownership of the Corporation.

The Hall as it was in the 1940s. Note the lavish interior, balcony with raked seating and small glass dome in the ceiling. (Burnley Local Studies Library)

The Billiard Room (undated). Comparison to modern photographs suggest this may have become the current dance studio (Burnley Local Studies Library).

22

Barrett’s Directory of Burney and District, 1937, p xxxvii

23

Burnley Historical Society, p40

The assembly hall was rented as a dance hall by the proprietors of the Empress Ballroom, who had lost their own building in a fire. Alterations were made to the building which included the removal of the stage and the removal of the wall beneath the balcony to form a lounge area.

Ladies Badminton in the hall.

A Rotary Club Dinner held in the hall was one of the last events to be held before the Institutes closure.

63

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1963

The hall roof collapsed and required emergency repairs.

Photographs from this period illustrate the extent of the damage.

1965-1979

The building is leased to Continental Casinos. During this time it was used as a casino and entertainments house with gaming tables, drinking, music and dancing. Later the gaming tables were replaced by bingo. Continental Casinos are reported to have carried out no maintenance on the building.

The present dance studio was known as the ‘Cavern’. The ceiling was lowered and a new access door was created. The approved plan is reproduced in appendix C. Further plans were draw up of Burnley Mechanics in 1978 towards the end of their tenancy. These are shown in appendix D. The building was listed as Grade II* in 1977.

Junction of Manchester Road and Yorke Street c.1975. (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

Gaming tables at the Casino Club (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

Rear of building in 1978. (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services)

Roof failure (By kind permission of Burnley Central Library, Community History Services) 64

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1979-1986

Burnley Borough Council resumed responsibility for the building in July 1979, after the lease to the Casino Club expired.24 The council found the building in poor condition. Dry and wet rot were discovered behind plasterwork and beneath floors; the roof needed repair and window frames were found to be rotting. Initial estimates put the repair bill at over £250, 000, but this figure was to rise causing a local outcry. In 1980 Burnley Express asked if `it might be cheaper to demolish the rot-infested institute than treat it and fit it out as a civic centre’. 25 But the council were determined to save the building and set about the repairs and refurbishment. During stabilisation repairs it was felt necessary to remove plaster from walls and replace joists and floors in a number of rooms.

RESTORATION OF THE VICTORIAN STAIR

In 1984 plans were approved for the extensive refurbishment to create a theatre bar, art gallery, restaurant and conference venue. The project involved an extensive strip-out of the hall with a major loss of the decorative plasterwork to the walls and ceiling. It is also included an enlargement of the stage and the blocking of the public entrances into the hall from Manchester Road. The raked balcony on the north side of the hall was removed and structural alterations made to insert changing rooms and other facilities. New entrances from the main stair were formed. The Tudor Room (now The Loft) was also modified.

A programme of window replacement took place which saw the loss of some, but not all the historic frames and glass.

On the ground floor, the alterations included a new bar in the Front Room.

A box office was created where the Lounge Bar is today. Images taken at the time also demonstrate a similar removal of historic fabric in this area. The approved plans showing these changes have been reproduce in appendix E. In addition, a new extension was constructed to house a lift and hoist and other facilities for the back-stage area. This was constructed to the rear of the 1888 extension which had provided a new entrance from Manchester Road.

The following pages demonstrate the extent of the works carried out: 24

Burnley Express & News, 1979, June 1st, p17

25

Burnley Express, 1980, February 1st

65

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1979-1986 cont

RESTORATION OF THE HALL

66

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 1979-1986 cont

CREATION OF THE BOX OFFICE, LATER THE GROUND FLOOR BAR

67

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 1979-1986 cont

Present

RESTORATION OF THE TUDOR ROOM The building was reopened as an arts and entertainment centre in 1986. Queen Elizabeth performed the official opening ceremony on the 12th November 1987.

Today, Burnley Mechanics continues to operate as a theatre and entertainment venue. The former bar has now been transformed into ‘the Front Room’, an elegant dining facility with an intimate performance space. The former box office is now the Lounge Bar. It also provides room hire, and is the home of many of Burnley’s local societies and organisations, including Burnley Pantomime Society, Dansworks Dance Academy, the Burnley Light Opera Society and Rossendale Dance and Drama.

Since 1987, Burnley Mechanics has hosted some of the world’s finest talent from all realms of the performing arts including The Osmonds, Toploader, Patty Smith, Marillion, Buddy Guy, G4, Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Alan Carr, Lee Nelson, Tim Vine, Hull Truck Theatre.

The Queen visits Burnley Mechanics

Wall on fame at the Mechanics

68

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

3.3

MAP PROGRESSION

1844 Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV. NW, published 1848

1890-91 25” Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW, published 1894

69

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

1909 to 1910 25” Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW, published 1914

70

1928 to 1929 25” Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW, published 1933

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

1938 6” Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW, published 1946

1972-86 25” Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW

71

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

3.4

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

72

N

BASEMENT HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN Assumed 1854-55 Assumed 1887-88 Assumed 20th Century Unknown

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

N

LOWER GROUND FLOOR HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN Assumed 1854-55 Assumed 1887-88 Assumed 20th Century Unknown Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

73

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Assumed 1854-55 Assumed 1887-88 Assumed 20th Century Unknown Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

74

N

GROUND FLOOR

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

N

FIRST FLOOR HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Assumed 1854-55 Assumed 1887-88 Assumed 20th Century Unknown Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

75

3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Assumed 1854-55 Assumed 1887-88 Assumed 20th Century Unknown Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

76

N

SECOND FLOOR

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3

3.5 COMPARABLE EXAMPLES: MECHANICS INSTITUTES There are a number of Mechanics Institute buildings in existence around the UK, and also around the world. Historic England records 19 as listed within the UK, although many more are unlisted or their former use remains unacknowledged. They vary in size and architectural style but common features include a library, reading room and an assembly hall. With the evolution of free libraries and further education establishments, so Mechanics Institutes increasingly adapted as social clubs and cultural venues.

Where the organisations failed to survive a fall in membership, so the buildings were modified and adapted to new uses such as libraries, museums, cinemas, concert halls, clubs and theatres.

A number have been less fortunate; for example, the former Mechanics Institute, Swindon, lies vacant and its future now hangs in the balance.

3.5.1

SWINDON MECHANICS INSTITUTE

Grade II* Completed in 1855, it was designed by Edwards Roberts of London in the Gothic Revival style and enlarged in 1892-3 by Bightwen Binyon. It contained the UK’s first lending library and offered health services to workers. It had a large assembly hall, baths, market hall, library, reading room and coffee room.

The building was a major architectural feature in Swindon with a unique association with the Great Western Railway, who facilitated in setting up the Institute for their employees.26 As with other Mechanics Institutes, the instruction of men and women in a wide range of subjects was an important aspect of the Institute.

The building closed in 1986 and has since remained empty and a prey for vandals and arsonists. 27

Burnley Mechanics is amongst a small number listed at Grade II*, although its interior has been much altered since it was listed in 1977.

Swindon Mechanics Institute c 1900 26

Listed Entry 1198947, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1198947

27 Victorian Society, ‘Mechanics Institute, Swindon’, 2012, http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/ news/mechanics-institute-swindon/

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3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

3.5.2

MANCHESTER MECHANICS INSTITUTE

Grade II* The Manchester Mechanics Institute was established in 1824. They moved to their Princess Street address in 1855. The building, like that of Burnley Mechanics, was designed in the Italian Palazzo style.

For the architect, J E Gregan, it was his final work. The building was also the location of the inaugural meeting of the Trades Union Congress in 1868, the birthplace of the Co-operative Insurance Society and UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology).

3.5.3

THE MECHANICS INSTITUTE, DARLINGTON

Grade II The Mechanics Institution was built in 1854 and is listed Grade II. The imposing classically styled frontage may have been added to an earlier building. At its peak the Institute had over 400 members and a library of 3000 books. As membership declined, the Institute moved to the first floor and then the attic and let out the building to the Newcastle Savings Bank, until they moved in the 1980s. The building stood empty until 1991 when it became an American Diner. Today the building is a nightclub and bar.

The building is now known as the Mechanics Conference Centre and operates as a conference and function venue. 28

Manchester Mechanics Institute

28

78

Mechanics Conference Centre, http://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/

The Mechanics Institute, Darlington

SIGNIFICANCE

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE ‘People may value a place for many reasons beyond utility or personal association: for its distinctive architecture or landscape, the story it can tell about its past, its connection with notable people or events, its landform, flora and fauna, because they find it beautiful or inspiring, or for its roles as a focus of a community.’ 01

•

The Front Room has been restored as a full height space and architectural features have been restored.

•

The Lower Basement is a simple space that has retained some of its plan form and character.

•

Communal value is high due to the many significant events over the decades, such as concerts, ceremonies, lectures and performances.

Evidential value is high for its potential for further investigations into the physical fabric and primary sources that could be carried out to increase our understanding.

•

Burnley Mechanics is of national value due to its status as a Grade II* listed building.

•

•

The site acts as a tangible link to Mechanics Institutes, a movement which flourished in the 19th century on the back of the Industrial Revolution and was instrumental in founding further education in England.

DETRIMENTAL ELEMENTS

•

Burnley Mechanics was important in the foundation of Burnley College.

•

The building envelope is of high significance having been designed in the Italianate Palazzo style and constructed in high quality materials and craftsmanship.

•

•

01

Burnley Mechanics is an important element of the Manchester Road streetscape and Burnley Town Centre Conservation Area. It also has group value with the adjacent Town Hall.

•

As a result of alterations and redevelopment, many original features have been lost, including the historic layout and circulation in some areas and the richly decorated hall with raked balcony.

•

The modern fit out of many spaces including modern partitions and suspended ceilings, has reduced the aesthetic quality and character of many of the interiors.

•

Blocked windows and vents inserted into windows

The Loft, formerly used for art classes, retains original features and character.

•

The modern extension and fire escape to the rear.

•

The felt roofing material is inappropriate for its Grade II* listed status.

Historic England, 2008, Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance

•

Lack of use and appearance of the former principal entrance.

4.1

4

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING SIGNIFICANCE

Significance can be defined as the sum of the cultural heritage values that make a building or place important to this and future generations. The aim of conservation is to sensitively manage change to a place to ensure that its significance is not only protected, but also revealed, reinforced and enhanced at every possible opportunity.

The range of values that may contribute to the significance of a place can be categorised under the following headings.

These values are taken from English Heritage’s (now Historic England) Conservation Principles (2008).

Evidential Value: This derives from those elements of an historic asset that can provide evidence about past human activity, including its physical remains or historic fabric. These remains provide the primary evidence for how the asset has changed over time. It is the potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity.

Historical Value: The ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. These illustrative or associative values of an historic asset may be less tangible than its evidential value but will often connect past people, events and aspects of life with the present.

79

4 SIGNIFICANCE

Aesthetic Value: The ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place. This might include the form of an historic asset, its external appearance and how it lies within its setting. Understanding the aesthetic value of an historic asset will be more subjective than the study of its evidential and historical values and will involve trying to express the aesthetic qualities or the relative value of different parts of its form or design.

Communal Value: This derives from the meanings of a place for the people who relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory. Communal values are closely bound up with historical (particularly associative) and aesthetic values, but tend to have additional and specific aspects; it can be commemorative, symbolic or spiritual.

In order to identify the relative contributions that these values make to the significance of a place and to assist with objective decision-making, the significance of Burnley Mechanics is assessed using a scale of significance ratings ranging from High to Detrimental: High:

An aspect of value that strongly contributes to the significance of a place, forming an essential piece of its history and cultural value.

Medium:

An aspect of value that will have some cultural importance and will make a moderate contribution to the significance of a place.

Low:

An aspect of value that will make a slight (yet still noteworthy) contribution to the significance of a place.

Neutral:

An aspect that has no discernible value that neither adds to nor detracts from the significance of the place. Informed change will be acceptable.

Detrimental: An aspect of the place that detracts from its values and therefore its significance. In material terms, removal or reversal of these aspects should be strongly encouraged.

80

4.2

ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE VALUES

The sections below set out the relative significance of the site and the elements that contribute or detract from its heritage value.

4.2.1

EVIDENTIAL VALUE

“This derives from those elements of an historic asset that can provide evidence about past human activity, including its physical remains or historic fabric. These remains provide the primary evidence for how the asset has changed over time. It is the potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity”.

EVIDENTIAL VALUE: HIGH Burnley Mechanics has evidential value as a building which has been used and altered many times since its initial construction between 1854 and 1855. Subsequent alterations have left layers of history that have the potential to add to our understanding of the buildings history and development.

Despite the collapse of the auditorium roof in 1963, the works to treat wet and dry rot in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the refurbishment which followed, there is still the possibility that beneath the suspended ceilings and modern fit outs original features such as lath and plaster ceilings, plaster cornices, cast iron columns and other original features survive.

Our understanding of the layout of the original spaces within Burnley Mechanics could be improved. The original architect’s plans have not been found; our knowledge of the room provision is based upon information within contemporary newspapers and journals which list the facilities essential for the early building. It is not clear whether they were all accommodated; the offices or shops facing Manchester Road, for example, do not appear in later descriptions of the building. Equally, it is unclear how a news room, reading room, library and committee room could be

accommodated on the ground floor in addition to two shops and the hall and stair.

The principal staircase also raises unanswered questions; the reminiscences of William Groom, the caretaker from 1886, have depicted the original entrance hall as an uninviting narrow stair; this description does not accord with the present stair. Additionally, the current stair extends through what was probably the rear wall of the original building and suggests that the stair was replaced in later alterations. Further investigations and research are required.

With the absence of any substantial archival sources, the physical building is the best primary source that we have access to.

Although the building was substantially renovated in the 1980s, the building fabric still retains evidence of its phases of developments.

As a result, there is a lot that can still be learnt about the Burnley Mechanics.

4.2.2

HISTORICAL VALUE

“The ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. It tends to be illustrative or associative”.

ILLUSTRATIVE VALUE: MEDIUM Burnley Mechanics is a site of high historical value locally and of medium historical value nationally. The tangible built fabric adds both to the history of Burnley, the Mechanic’s movement in a national context and of the wider narrative of adult education nationally. The site illustrates the rising popularity of the Mechanics movement, and saw the expansion of the building just over 30 years after its original construction. It also illustrates the rise in adult education and the founding of many colleges and universities through the success and popularity of the Mechanics model. The opening of free libraries and the establishment of separate adult education facilities saw a shift in the focus of Mechanics Institutes

SIGNIFICANCE 4

and a slow decline in popularity. However, the site illustrates the diversification of Mechanics Institute buildings; Burnley Mechanics was adapted for other cultural uses, a trend seen across the country.

Burnley Mechanics is a relatively rare survival of a building type, of which only 15 are recorded by Historic England as being of sufficient significance to be afforded statutory protection. Its Grade II* listing also places it in the top 8% in the country.

Historic research has shown that during the 1980s Burnley Mechanics underwent refurbishment before it reopened as an arts and entertainment centre in 1986. Photographs indicate that areas to the ground floor, the first floor and the auditorium underwent the removal of substantial amounts of historic fabric. The extent to which other areas may have been affected is unclear, but a number of undated historic images offer tantalising evidence of how the interiors once appeared. The removal of historic fabric has partially reduced the significance of the building’s interiors, and raises the value of areas such as the basement, the former Tudor Room, and features like the historic staircases by their survival.

ASSOCIATIVE VALUE: MEDIUM The principal significance of Burnley Mechanics is through its connections with the Mechanics Institute movement which was founded by George Birkbeck. Burnley Mechanics also has significance locally for its connections to the architect James Green of Todmorden and extensions by William Waddington and Sons. It also has associations with a number of prominent families and dignitaries, many with close ties to the Burnley textile and iron industry, and instrumental in the establishment of Burnley Mechanics. More recently the building has hosted some of the world’s finest talent from all realms of the performing arts including the highly-acclaimed Burnley International Blues Festival which helps to ensure its international status as a unique and bustling venue. The Queen visited Burnley Mechanics in 1987 and performed the official opening ceremony.

4.2.3

AESTHETIC VALUE

“The ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place.”

AESTHETIC VALUE: EXTERIOR – HIGH; INTERIORS - LOW The exterior of Burnley Mechanics is an example of a neo-classical architecture and designed in the Italianate style. The architect appears to have been inspired by Heywood’s Bank in Manchester..

The result is an attractive building which plays a key role in the streetscape of Manchester Road; along with the adjoining Town Hall, they form a valuable group and are key buildings within the Burnley Town Centre Conservation Area. Its architectural and historical merit are recognised in its Grade II* listed status.

A number of features require consideration to improve its aesthetic value including reroofing in an appropriate material, removal of vegetation, removal of vents and louvres in windows, more sympathetic signage and fire escape, stone cleaning and improvements to the appearance and reuse of the former principal entrance.

The setting of the building in a busy urban context has undergone changes since it was constructed, although the predominant character is a densely-populated area dominated by 19th and early 20th century buildings. However, the area to the rear, now occupied by a car park, has open views of the less significant elevations of Burnley Mechanics, and of the intrusive rear extension and modern fire escape.

Internally, the cellar basement is largely unchanged and has a different character to the rest of the interior. It contains brick-jack arches and cast iron columns, exposed rubble walls and original floor surfaces. Haphazard storage, blocked windows and an underlying issue with water ingress, while not unexpected within a basement area, lends the underground spaces a feeling of neglect and abandonment.

Alterations and refurbishment of the remaining interiors has resulted in a loss of high quality spaces which are evidenced in historic images, including the lavishly decorated assembly hall. The present modern fit outs to many areas are not of special interest but may hide original features. It is unclear, however, as to their quality, condition and survival. The restoration of the Front Room with its high ceilings and other original features, provides an indication of how Burnley Mechanics could appear should a programme of restoration be considered suitable. The Loft which retains some interesting features also holds exciting potential for future enhancement.

4.2.4

COMMUNAL VALUE

“The meanings of a place for the people who relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory.”

COMMUNAL VALUE: HIGH Burnley Mechanics arose as part of the Mechanic Institutes movement and was a focus for education, improvement and for social interaction for the people of Burnley in the 19th and 20th century. It now exists as a significant entertainment venue and community space, accommodating shows, theatrical performances and concerts, whilst being a valuable venue for dance and theatre classes, and rehearsal and performance spaces for a diverse range of local organisations.

The underused spaces within Burnley Mechanics provide the potential to expand this offer to the local community. There are exciting opportunities to put neglected spaces back into use for the benefit of the people of Burnley, whilst celebrating the heritage of Burnley Mechanics.

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4 SIGNIFICANCE

4.3

SIGNIFICANCE PLANS

These plans should not be viewed as definitive, but as an evolving assessment of significance. As new information comes to light as a result of additional research, fabric analysis and or/opening up investigations, these plans should be updated to reflect the new understanding.

The drawings describe the relative level of significance on a sliding scale expressed on page 74. The greater the degree of alteration and the lesser the architectural, historical and/or functional importance of the space or element, the lower the ranking on this scale.

82

BASEMENT SIGNIFICANCE PLAN High Medium Low Neutral Intrusive Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

N

The following plans provide an outline assessment of significance in different areas of the site. These are expressed graphically but have a number of limitations – for example, they do not easily communicate the significance of, say, ceilings and roof structures.

To enhance understanding, the plans have been annotated where necessary. These plans articulate overall historic and aesthetic interest but do not easily express communal or evidential value of spaces. The evidential value of the site is considered to be generally high and the communal value is also of high significance, where accessible to the public.

SIGNIFICANCE 4

N

LOWER GROUND SIGNIFICANCE PLAN High Medium Low Neutral Intrusive Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

83

4 SIGNIFICANCE

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

84

N

GROUND FLOOR SIGNIFICANCE PLAN High Medium Low Neutral Intrusive

SIGNIFICANCE 4

N

FIRST FLOOR SIGNIFICANCE PLAN High Medium Low Neutral Intrusive Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

85

4 SIGNIFICANCE

Plans courtesy of Liberata This plan is not to scale

86

N

SECOND FLOOR SIGNIFICANCE PLAN High Medium Low Neutral Intrusive

BIBLIOGRAPHY

PUBLISHED MATERIAL

PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE

ONLINE RESOURCES

Barrett’s Directory of Burney and District, 1893

Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

Antarctica: Pictures, Facts and Travel, http://www.coolantarctica. com/index.php

Barrett’s Directory of Burney and District, 1937 Bennett, W, 1951, The History of Burnley 1650-1850, Vol 3 Bennett, W, 1951, The History of Burnley from 1850, Vol 4 Pevsner, N, 2002, The Buildings of England: North Lancashire Unknown, 1852, ‘New Mechanics Institute, Burnley’ in The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, April 1852, no 217, vol xv Unknown, 1852, ‘Retrospective Criticism’, in The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, May 1852, no 218, vol xv GREY LITERATURE Salmon, F, 2014, ‘The Battle of the Style Continued’, in The Victorian Society in Manchester, Summer Newsletter

Heritage Lottery Fund, Conservation Management Planning, 2012 Historic England, 2008, Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/ publications/conservation-principles-sustainable-managementhistoric-environment/ Historic England, 2008, Climate Change and the Historic Environment https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/climatechange-and-the-historic-environment/ Historic England, 2015, The Setting of Heritage Assets, https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/ gpa3-setting-of-heritage-assets/gpa3.pdf/

British History Online, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/ British Newspaper Archive, http://www.britishnewspaperarchive. co.uk/ Burnley Mechanics, http://burnleymechanics.co.uk/ Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/ Google Books https://books.google.co.uk/ Google Maps, https://www.google.co.uk/maps Graces’ Guide to British Industrial History, http://www.gracesguide. co.uk/Main_Page Historic England, National Heritage List, https://historicengland.org. uk/listing/the-list/ Historic England, Pastscapes, https://www.old-maps.co.uk/index. html Mechanics Conference Centre, Manchester, http://www. mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/

7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mechanics Institutes, http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Mechanics’_ Institutes/ Old Maps, https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, http://www.oxforddnb. com/ Poject Gutenberg, http://www.gutenberg.org/ Spinning the Web, http://www.spinningtheweb.org.uk/

HISTORIC MAPS 1844 (OLD MAPS 25 inch?) Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV (includes: Burnley; Cliviger; Habergham Eaves) Published 1848 1890-91 25 inch Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW (includes: Burnley; Habergham Eaves; Hapton; Ightenhill) Published 1894

Unknown, A History of Mechanics Institutes Libraries, 2010, http:// mechanicsinstitutes.blogspot.co.uk/

1909 to 1910 25 inch Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV. NW (includes: Burnley; Habergham Eaves; Hapton; Ightenhill) Published 1914

Victoria County History for ‘Townships: Burnley’,1911, in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6, pp. 441-454 http://www. british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol6/pp441-454

1928 to 1929 25 inch Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV. NW (includes: Burnley; Habergham Eaves; Hapton; Ightenhill) Published 1933

Victorian Society, ‘Mechanics Institute, Swindon’, 2012, http://www. victoriansociety.org.uk/news/mechanics-institute-swindon/

1938 6 inch Ordnance Survey Map of Lancashire LXIV.NW (includes: Burnley; Habergham Eaves; Hapton; Ightenhill) Published 1946

YMCA George Williams College, http://infed.org/mobi/

NEWSPAPERS Burnley Advertiser, August 4 1855 Burnley Advertiser, August 25 1855 Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser, Nov 29 1851 Burnley Express, Saturday 06 January 1883

ARCHIVES Burnley Central Library Burnley Borough Council Planning Archives Lancashire Archives

APPENDIX A: LISTING DESCRIPTION

BURNLEY MECHANICS, MANCHESTER ROAD Grade: II* Date first listed: 29-Sep-1977 Date of most recent amendment: 19-Nov-1997 SD8332SE MANCHESTER ROAD 906-1/19/88 (North West side) 29/09/77 Burnley Mechanics (Formerly Listed as: MANCHESTER ROAD (West side) Former Mechanics Institute) Mechanics’ Institute, now theatre, arts centre. 1854-5, by James Green of Todmorden; enlarged 1888 by William Waddington; altered. Sandstone ashlar, with felted hipped roofs. Palazzo style.

Rectangular plan on corner site plus later additions to the left and the rear. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys with basements to the rear, a 5-window main range plus a 2-window extension to the left. The symmetrical main range has an emphatically rusticated ground floor, rusticated quoins at 1st floor, a panelled band between floors interrupted by balustraded balconies to the 1st-floor windows, a string course over the 1st floor, a plain frieze and a prominent modillioned cornice enriched with lion-masks. The ground floor

has round-headed arcaded openings in 2 sets of 3, all with emphatic rusticated voussoirs and keystones and linked by an impost band, each set composed of a pair of Venetian windows flanking a narrower arch, with a window in the 1st of these, a doorway in the 2nd, and Ionic colonnettes in the Venetian windows, which also have panelled enrichment to the heads. All these windows now have plate glass glazing. The 1st floor has a tripartite window in the centre with a Corinthian architrave and segmental pediment containing richly-carved ornament, flanked by 2 pairs of windows with pedimented Corinthian architraves, all these windows with balustraded balconies. The lower 2-storey extension to the left has a splayed corner and is in generally similar style but with pilastered architraves to the windows, and a wide round-headed doorway adjoining the main range. The right-hand return wall of the main range (to York Street), of 3 bays with a rock-faced basement, has a tetrastyle Corinthian porch in the centre, 3 round-headed windows each side of this, and at 1st floor fenestration similar to the front including a tripartite window in the centre with a Corinthian architrave and segmental pediment. The extension continued to the rear of this, of 3 bays and slightly stepped back, defers to the former by imitating its fenestration but with pilastered architraves.

APPENDIX B: PLAN OF AUDITORIUM 1921

Plan of alterations to the auditorium 1921

APPENDIX C: PLAN OF GROUND FLOOR 1965

Plan of changes to the Lower Ground Floor in 1965

APPENDIX D: PLANS OF BURNLEY MECHANICS 1978

Basement Cellar

APPENDIX D: PLANS OF BURNLEY MECHANICS 1978

Lower Ground Floor

APPENDIX D: PLANS OF BURNLEY MECHANICS 1978

Ground Floor

APPENDIX D: PLANS OF BURNLEY MECHANICS 1978

First Floor

APPENDIX D: PLANS OF BURNLEY MECHANICS 1978

Second Floor

APPENDIX E: PLANS OF THE REFURBISHMENT OF BURNLEY MECHANICS IN 1984

Lower Ground Floor

APPENDIX E: PLANS OF THE REFURBISHMENT OF BURNLEY MECHANICS IN 1984

Ground Floor

APPENDIX E: PLANS OF THE REFURBISHMENT OF BURNLEY MECHANICS IN 1984

First Floor

APPENDIX E: PLANS OF THE REFURBISHMENT OF BURNLEY MECHANICS IN 1984

Second Floor

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