Ashton & Dukinfield Mechanics Institution, Chapel Street, Ashton-under-Lyne (Architectural Competition)

NEW MECHANICS INSTITUTION - Architects are invited by the Directors of the Ashton-under-Lyne and Dukinfield Mechanics Institution to SUBMIT DESIGNS for a NEW BUILDING, the entire cost of which shall not exceed £3,500 exclusive of the land. The building to comprise in two storeys, a lecture room to seat 500 persons with anti-room contiguous, news room, conversation room, board room, secretary's room, library, four class rooms, rooms for keeper and all other necessary conveniences. There must be preparation for heating the rooms with hot water and also flues provided for fireplaces in the various rooms to be used if required. There must be a separate entrance to the class rooms. The old buildings at present on the site will be taken down. The site on three sides is bounded by Church-street, Warrington-street and Fleet-street and on the fourth side by buildings. The principal entrance is to be in Church-street. The directors will award a premium of ,25 guineas for the plans selected, provided the works can be occupied for the sum specified; the approved plans to be the property of the directors. The plans must be drawn to a uniform scale of eight feet to an inch and must be accompanied by a specification of the works. The plot of land is larger than the building will occupy. Each set of plans must be subscribed with a motto and forwarded , with a sealed letter containing the motto and the author's name on or before Monday February 25th to GEORGE HEGINBOTTOM Esq, president, Ashton-under-Lyne from whom further information may be obtained. Ashton-under-Lyne January 17th 1861. [Manchester Courier Saturday 12 January 1861 Page 12]

A special meeting of the committee for the selection of plans was held on Monday evening. The plans selected were those marked “Finem Respice,” the architects being Messrs Starkey & Cuffley of Manchester. Twenty-one designs were submitted. [Builder 27 April 1861 Page 291]

Reference    Manchester Courier Saturday 19 January 1861 Page 2 Column 6 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Courier Saturday 12 January 1861 Page 12 (Contracts)
Reference    Builder 27 April 1861 Page 291