‘Holmfirth Tech’ Community Building given Grade II Listed Status
The iconic Jacobean-Gothic style ‘Holmfirth Technical Institute’ building known as the ‘Tech’ that forms the gateway to the town from the north is now officially listed as Grade II by Historic England. Designed by architect Joseph Smith and opened by local Holmfirth industrialist James Marsden in 1894, the attractive stone building is considered to be of significant architectural merit and keeps many of its original features.
Grade II listing is excellent news for the Tech as it opens up more opportunities for grant funding, for all the repair and renovations works planned over the next few years to continue to support the community with its available spaces.
Margaret Dale, one of the Directors of Holmfirth Tech Ltd is particularly delighted by the decision,
‘Having a Grade II listed status gives the Tech increased importance as a building of national historic interest. It provides a welcome boost to the town as Holmfirth’s conservation area is on Historic England’s at risk register. Anything that raises the profile of the town’s rich heritage is to be welcomed and drawing attention to the splendour of the Holmfirth Technical Institute (as it was called originally) can only be welcomed.’
By the mid 19th Century river valley towns like Holmfirth had become prime locations for textile mills, and the expertise required to support such enterprise gave rise to Technical Institutes to provide adult education. Qualifications in ‘Wool Dyeing’, ‘Cotton and Linen Printing’ and ‘Road Carriage Building’ amongst a variety of other industrial specialisms became available to the people of Holmfirth.
Now owned by the local people as a Community Benefit Society, the Tech aims to be a welcoming, safe and stimulating place where people can be creative and enjoy themselves. It is a vibrant community hub for business, arts, wellbeing and music groups with a variety of rooms available for hire. The Tech offers an attractive and airy co-working / hot desk space featuring beautiful large light-filled windows and the café space has become a regular place for community coffee mornings where people can meet together, get information and help.
The Grade II listing for Holmfirth Tech officially came into effect on 26th April 2023. For more information about the listing visit www.historicengland.co.uk. Details about the spaces available at Holmfirth Tech for business, the arts, learning and wellbeing please visit www.holmfirthtech.co.uk
Figure 2 The central domed, colonnaded ventilation cupola is one of the distinct features of the building detailed by Historic England.
Figure 3 Local Holmfirth Industrialist Mr James Marsden who laid the foundation stone in 1892 and contributed nearly a fifth of the £4,000 total cost of the building, equipping and furnishing the institute. Mr Marsden opened the building in 1894.
Figure 4 Modern co-working and office space situated within the Grade II Listed Holmfirth Tech Building
