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Market Hall (Butchers Market) is number 120 on the list of protected registered buildings, listed together with The Marx Legion, Douglas Branch, (Fish, Butter and Vegetable Market Building) as well as being within a conservation area.
Situated on North Quay, Douglas Harbour, with notable buildings - The British Hotel (public house) by local architect Armitage Rigby, and The Marx Legion (former Fish, Butter and Vegetable Market Building) located either side, Market Hall is an important part of the townscape within the working harbour. To the north are a mix of tall, rendered Victorian properties and pebbledashed local authority flats within a close knit urban fabric. To the south across the quay are industrial units, more open and low lying.
Following the slum clearance of the area by the Victorians, Market Hall is one of two buildings built at the end of the nineteenth century to replace the open air market which took place in front of the old St Matthew church for centuries.
Market Hall was the Butchers Market and The Marx Legion the Fish, Butter and Vegetable Market. Both helped to cement commerce in the area as part of the working quayside and transference of the capital and administrative centre from Castletown to Douglas.
Largely unaltered externally, internally the building has previously lost the physical evidence of the centralised timber stalls and therefore how it was specifically used, although the building retains the openess of space and many of the original details - cast ironwork and architrave surrounds to windows. The latter, however, have been compromised in a number of areas.
The rectangular shaped building consists of a double bay side by side at roof level, each hipped and terminating at ridge height with a roof ventilator, public entrances are from North Quay, Market Hill and James Street with a smaller entrance adjacent to The British Hotel having been previously blocked up.
Douglas Borough Council holds documentation relating to the construction of the building published in The Surveyor and Municipal and County Engineer on 31 August 1900, a year after the building's completion. This includes the cost of the works at a total of £5,410; and details of the ironwork supplied by A. & J. Main of Glasgow.
Market Hall forms part of a small group of buildings with a symbolic value as the "idea" of Douglas market, built as part of the Victorian slum clearance. Historically, it would have been a focal point of activity for commerce, gathering and the community.
The building is not the focal point if once was and has struggled and declined over the years, most recently housing the Fine Art degree programme of University College Man, together with a cafe, public conveniences and a butchers shop. It has, however, always maintained public access and its continued usage and social value give it a clear sense of identity, retaining its historical relevance. The building has been given a new lease of life, through its use as a cafe and cycle shop.
The exterior form and materials that Market Hall are constructed from are distinctive and of good quality.
The building has a strong form largely defined by the two hipped slate roof bays that run the length of the building, terminated by ridge ventilators and supported internally by a central row of cast iron columns; and the external walls which are constructed of solid grey brick with large arched window openings and plinths dressed in red brick. Entrances are marked by Peel sandstone porticoes and features such as the parapet are also dressed in Peel sandstone.
The overall form with its high spaces, ventilated at ridge with large windows is functional, but the detailing is elaborate. There are no comparable buildings on the island of this building type. 177 Market Hall • Market Hill, Douglas • Market Hill Property Ltd © homcastle thomas Statement of Significance 1:200 @ A3
01 APPLICATION DETAILS
Market Hall, Market Hill, Douglas Registered Building 120 Douglas (North Quay) Conservation Area
Application for Full Planning Approval Application for Registered Building Consent
Market Hill Property Ltd • Applicant Horncastle Thomas Ltd • Agent
02 DESCRIPTION
Market Hall is a registered building, a late nineteenth century former butchers market, recently refurbished and reinvigorated to house successful local businesses Bilisstyles and Noa Calls, plus consultant rooms, such as a physiotherapist, and a Bike to Work Scheme.
This application seeks approval to install a commemorative plaque. The plaque is engraved to mark the re-opening of the Market Hall by HRH the Princess Royal last year, made from matt dark grey granite (680x350mm).
03 PLANNING POLICY The proposal is in line with the following planning policies of the Strategic Plan 2016. Environmental Policy 32,
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted.
03 PLANNING POLICY (cont.) Environmental Policy 34, In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre-1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred Environmental Policy 35,
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development.
The proposed plaque's material, design and location address the above planning policies. The proposed plaque is fabricated from grey granite with a matt finish. It is proposed to be fixed onto the existing 'grey' brick masonry wall, into mortar joints. The use of this traditional material in a colour and finish in keeping with the materials of the original structure will mean it is unobtrusive, respecting and preserving the character and appearance of the area. The proposed position is located at an existing chamfered corner with crumbled detailing above to provide emphasis. This is a similar arrangement at the adjacent corner with James Street, which has a drinking water fountain on the chamfered corner. The accompanying drawings demonstrate that the proposals will not detrimentally affect the building.
COMMERORATIVE PLAQUE • PHOTO
ARTIST IMPRESSION OF PLAQUE IN-SITU
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