Bridges said the restored Town Hall would offer visitors access to parts of the building which many people had never seen before.
“The big thing about this reopening is it will be open to the public in a way that it never has been before,” he said.
“Buildings like this were often built just as much to keep people out as to invite people in and were a statement about the power of the people that held office within them.”
He said a new reception area and visitor experience would tell the story of the building, the city and its civic history.
New lifts have been installed to make all floors accessible, while visitors will be able to enter through accessible entrances.
However, some areas, including those used by coroners, registrars and senior council officials, will remain closed to visitors.
Bridges said the reopening would be marked by a programme of events throughout 2027, culminating in celebrations of the building’s 150th anniversary in September.
“There will be many opportunities for people to come and visit and to come and celebrate throughout that whole year,” he said.
But, he said, the reopening would take place over a period of time, with people able to enter the building in spring before it was fully staffed and occupied.