Derby Hall

The Derby Hall, Haymarket street Bury. Built in the late 1840's at the request of the 13th Earl of Derby, Edward Smith-Stanley. Originally part of a 3 section development comprising also, the Derby Hotel to the left, and the Atheneum to the right. All were designed by Mr Sidney Smirke. 1965 saw the demolition of the Derby Hotel, followed by the Atheneum in 1971.
The building had the adopted as the Town Hall, when opened in 1850 is held the magistrates court, police station, the Earl's estate offices and an assembly rooms.
The wishes of Earl Derby was that the building be used for Bury council meetings, however after a disagreement with the local authority, this never happened.
The derby estates were sold in 1925, with this building fetching short of £13,000. Then taking on the name of The Derby Hall.
Over the years the hall has been used as an entertainment venue. Concerts, banquets, and a great many theatrical performances.
I was involved in a number of theatrical events, mainly in old time music hall. Yes, i was a wannabe thesp when i was much much younger. Since 1979 it has been run by Bury Metro Arts Association, a charitable group. For the last few years the building has been known as The Met. Hosting regular concerts.
Its a terrible shame that the 2 adjoining buildings were demolished and replaced with 2 monstrous erections, modern in style, not at all in keeping with the majesty of The Derby Hall.