Colchester City Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of restoration work on the ceiling of the Moot Hall – marking the end of a complex, six-month project to preserve and secure one of the city’s most iconic historic interiors.
The ceiling, part of the Grade I listed Town Hall, has undergone intensive heritage repairs following serious structural concerns identified in 2022. Today, the space is once again safe, structurally sound, and ready to welcome the public.
Council Leader Cllr David King said: “This uplifting restoration is great to see and is a testament to our commitment to the Moot Hall. As a wonderful public space and symbol of our civic life, it is a place where the city has come together for generations. To see it restored with such care is inspiring. It has taken thousands of hours of craftsmanship, and the result is something our city can be proud of.
“My thanks go to the skilled and dedicated team who brought this beautiful space back to life. Thanks to their efforts, the Moot Hall will once again serve as a civic, cultural, and community landmark – ready to welcome future generations.”
The project involved more than 9,500 hours of specialist work, including the installation of 4,900 metres of stainless-steel wire to secure ceiling panels, casting and fitting 56 new plaster panels, and using traditional lambswool insulation to maintain period-appropriate construction methods.
All work was completed without relocating the iconic Moot Hall Organ, which remained safely protected throughout the process.
Now completed, the restoration allows the Moot Hall to reopen as planned this summer. The venue is available to hire for weddings, meetings, performances, and other events from July. It includes access to a kitchen and parking. For bookings or enquiries, contact info@colchester-events.co.uk.
The public will also have a chance to view the restored hall as part of Heritage Open Weekends. On Saturday 20 September, visitors can see the Moot Hall ceiling up close, hear and even play the Moot Hall Organ, and view the Richard Stone portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
The £350,000 project was led by Hirst Conservation, working closely with Colchester City Council and Historic England to meet the strict conservation standards required of a building of this heritage status.
The successful completion of the Moot Hall ceiling restoration reflects the council’s commitment to protecting Colchester’s historic fabric, while ensuring public safety and enhancing community use.
Page last reviewed: 19 June 2025