BLOG | ‘A proud tradition of handling issues of national significance’ – the Lord Mayor writes about the Town Hall hosting the Thirlwall Inquiry
Liverpool Town Hall is the venue for the Thirlwall Inquiry, looking as the circumstances behind the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, explains why it is a fitting venue…
Liverpool Town Hall has been the civic headquarters of the Council since it was built in 1749.
It has played a major role in important moments in our history, and has a proud tradition of handling issues of national significance with great respect and dignity.
Designed by John Wood, it has the highest listed status – Grade I – and is recognised as one of the finest surviving town halls of the 18th Century, a masterful example of Georgian architecture.
One only has to walk past it and you can sense that it is a magnificent building.
It is not just the base for myself, as Lord Mayor, but is also where important matters are debated and crucial decisions taken, that affect the lives of all our citizens.
It’s where, in 2007, the Council passed a motion banning smoking in work places, which led to the policy being adopted nationally by the Government, helping improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
It’s where we voted to apologise for the city’s shameful role in the slave trade.
It’s where we decide to confer the highest civic honour we can bestow – the Freedom of the City, and other high awards on individuals and organisations who have made huge contributions to Liverpool, from the Hillsborough families to the late Sir Ken Dodd.
It has a Hall of Remembrance with the names of more than 13,000 men who lost their lives in WW1.
And houses a memorial to the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. This is personified by the Town Hall hosting the memorial plaque to the victims of Hillsborough.
Liverpool Town Hall has hosted Royalty many times, and was one of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite buildings.
It is where ambassadors and Consuls are hosted when they visit the city.
The balcony hosted The Beatles’ homecoming on their return from the USA in 1964 when more than 200,000 watched them from the streets below.
And it also plays a lifechanging role for many couples, as a marriage venue. Many companies and organisations use the building for important events in their cycle of meetings and activities.
So, it is moving to see the Town Hall being used by the Thirlwall Inquiry, in line with its role at the civic heart of the city and region.
I am delighted that the Inquiry team have been extremely pleased with the way our staff have been able to adapt an 18th century building so it can host a 21st century public hearing. Indeed, Lady Justice Thirlwall has said they have had “extraordinary help and assistance” and has thanked us for putting parents at the heart of the planning.
Lord Mayors’ such as myself come and go, but the Town Hall is still as relevant today as it was when it was built.
Long may it continue to be that way.