Teeside Live reports on how the entrance gates to Acklam Hall – Middlesbrough’s only Grade I listed building – and its historic ‘Avenue of Trees’, could be restored to their former glory, reintroducing ornate formal gates which were removed as part of the Second World War effort.
Teeside Live writes:
The entrance to Acklam ’s historic Avenue of Trees was once marked by ornate, formal gates which were removed as part of the Second World War effort. Now a planning application has gone in to Middlesbrough Council which hopes to see the feature restored in a bid to reflect its original grandeur and formality.
If successful, the space – which was filled with a low lying fence, kissing gate and a chicane – would see the existing gate replaced with a more ornate gate screen which will include a small Talbot hunting dog from the Hustler family crest. The gate screen and piers will also be restored to their original height at the site at the entrance to the Avenue of Trees on Acklam Hall Drive.
The planning application says ‘Acklam Hall is a Grade I listed building that is recognised as being of exceptional national significance. Its surroundings act as an enhancer. The gate will be a significant feature at the entrance to the Avenue of Trees adding additional value to the wider Acklam Hall estate. Reinstating this more formal entrance will embellish the grandeur and anticipation of the Hall from the South, whilst increasing the local value of the Avenue of Trees in the hearts and minds of residents.’
The work will be carried out by Tyneside companies Classic Masonry and John Aynsley Architectural Metalwork together with Middlesbrough Council’s heritage officers…
The work to restore the gates, says the planning application, has been made possible thanks to bequest made by the late Alan Hunter, treasurer of community group Acklam 2020….
