The Town
Hall is situated on the south side of the Market Square. It was first built
in 1761 and extensively remodelled and extended in 1879. The hall owes its
existence to the munificence of George Stacey Gibson , a local businessman
and Mayor of Saffron Walden from 1875 – 1877. At the end of his term
as Mayor, he gave the town the necessary money to rebuild the hall. A portrait
of Gibson is still on display in the Assembly Room. Throughout the 1980s
and 1990s the Council has carried out extensive repair and modernization
works to the building.
The building consists of four public rooms for hire, kitchens, the Council
Chamber and other rooms used for changing facilities for theatrical productions.
The public rooms are all accessible for disabled via a lift or chair lift.
The four rooms available for hire are shown below, but please note that
the Scrivener Room is currently unavailable for hire.
The
Assembly Room
The Court Room
This room is approx. 60 feet by 30 feet. At the western end is
a collapsible stage and at the eastern end a balcony forms a mezzanine
level.
The room is licensed for musical entertainments to take 310 people
(plus an additional 62 in the balcony). It is licensed to take 227
people (plus an additional 62 in the balcony) for plays, and can
seat a maximum of 150 people for dinners.
The Court Room was used as the Town’s magistrates court until 1979,
when it was remodelled. The room is 30 feet by 24 feet and is suitable
for a bar and receptions when used in conjunction with the Assembly Room.
It will seat approximately 60 people.
The
Scrivener Room
The Committee Room
This room was created in the 1990s following renovation work on the first
floor, and adjoins the Court Room. Its size is 25 feet by 16 feet and
it is suitable for talks and slideshows. It will seat approx. 50 people.
This room is not available for hire at the moment.
The Committee Room is on the ground floor and incorporates a bar
and a small kitchen. It is 25 feet by 16 feet and will seat about
60 people. Because of its location it is particularly suitable for
events such as jumble sales.
Town
Hall Hire Charges (all prices in £) as at 19th April 2010
Assembly Hall
Court Room
Committee Room
Per hour, Mon-Thur
19.50
10.00
5.50
Per day, Mon-Thur
156.00
80.00
44.00
Per hour, Fri-Sun
30.00
15.50
5.50
Per day, Fri-Sun
240.00
124.00
44.00
Double rates for commercial bookings
If you wish to
hire any of the rooms please contact the Town Council Offices, 11, Emson
Close, Saffron Walden (01799 516501).
Please note bookings cannot be guaranteed until confirmation has
been received.
© Saffron
Walden Town Council 2005-8
