International construction firm Mace said it has been appointed as the project manager for the £330 million repair and upgrade project at Manchester’s iconic Town Hall and Albert Square.

“While the building, which will turn 140 years old this year, has been maintained and remains structurally sound, many of its elements are now reaching the end of their natural lifespan,” said Mace.

“The ‘Our Town Hall’ project will see the building repaired and brought up to modern access, safety and energy efficiency standards.

“The work is set to take place over a seven-year period.”

The Grade-I listed Town Hall was designed in the 1860s by Alfred Waterhouse and is internationally renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and architectural quality.

Mace previously worked with Manchester City Council — having project managed the transformation of Manchester Central Library and the Town Hall Extension, which was completed in 2015.

The firm is currently working to deliver a number of projects in Manchester including the Alliance Manchester Business School for the University of Manchester and the UK’s first Proton Beam Therapy Centre for the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Councillor Bernard Priest, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Our Town Hall project is a complex, once-in-a-lifetime challenge, which will result in the full repair and upgrade of Manchester’s civic centrepiece.

“We look forward to working closely with Mace and our other carefully selected consultants, as we secure and enhance the long-term future of our cherished Town Hall.”

Steve Gillingham, Mace’s Director of the North, said: “Mace’s history is inextricably linked to Manchester – it was the first office we opened outside of London, and where we first cut our teeth on internationally significant project management for the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

“Our experience and record in the North is a key part of Mace’s DNA.

“As a result we’re very pleased to have been awarded a role on this vital project to protect, restore and upgrade such a significant symbol of Manchester’s civic history.

“Working on schemes like this is always challenging, particularly given how closely everyone will be watching – but we’re up to the challenge and looking forward to getting stuck in.”