Workers on the £330m project to repair and restore Manchester Town Hall are set to 'raise the roof', as a major phase of the Grade I-listed landmark’s restoration reaches completion.

A 300-tonne crane will begin removing the vast temporary covering that has shielded the Victorian roof since spring 2022, making the roofline visible again for the first time in more than three years.

The removal marks a key milestone in the Our Town Hall project, which has seen extensive repairs to the nationally significant building since work began. Major elements of the restoration include:

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Roof slates – More than 100,000 slates have been replaced, sourced from the same Cumbrian quarry as the originals and hand-finished to replicate 1870s craftsmanship.

Chimneys – All 37 chimney stacks have been repaired or rebuilt using matching sandstone, with huge capping stones lifted into place by crane.

Decorative ironwork – Original Gothic cast iron brattishing has been restored, repainted in architect Alfred Waterhouse's favoured Burgundy Red, and refixed.

Gutters and drainage – Redesigned to modern standards, with larger capacity to withstand heavier rainfall and futureproof the building against climate change.

Lighting – A new LED system will illuminate the building’s Gothic Revival features at night, enhancing Albert Square's backdrop.

Windows – Nearly 1,200 timber and metal-framed windows have been carefully restored, retaining original handblown glass where possible.

Statues – Stone figures on the façade have been repaired and secured.

The restoration follows the unveiling of the 280-ft clock tower last year, with much of the historic exterior now emerging from beneath scaffolding and sheeting.