The future of a 16th Century building could be secured by an organisation with the funds to invest in it.
Stroud District Council is considering offering a long lease for the Old Town Hall in the town’s Shambles. The Council is committed to retaining the freehold of the Old Town Hall, which is Grade II* listed and is a valued historic asset for Stroud and the wider area. Continued public access to the building will be proposed as part of any lease terms.
The council is proposing to offer a long lease for the building, in line with the process for an Asset of Community Value, so that community groups and others can also express their interest in the property.
Shambles Market traders, tenants, Stroud District Council members, and Stroud Town Council have been consulted, and views sought from those who currently hire the venue. The impact on the well-established Shambles Market will be an important consideration in any lease.
To address the retrofitting of the building, the Council included the building within its Zero Carbon One Public Estate project. Through this project the council has obtained a Building Performance Evaluation report including whole life carbon assessments, which demonstrates the extent of work required to meet our carbon 2030 commitments. The lease could ensure that the retrofitting of the building is a requirement.
SDC Strategy and Resources Committee will consider a report on October 5 before a decision is made.
