Darlaston Town Hall could be sold off

An historic town hall in the heart of the Black Country could be sold off, it was revealed today.

Darlaston Town Hall is being reviewed by Walsall Council bosses as part of a plan to sell off buildings and raise more than £7 million.

Council leader Mike Bird today admitted that there would be a "public outcry" if the Victorian landmark was eventually sold, and encouraged people to "use it or lose it".

Darlaston has already lost its market in the council's cost-cutting plans, saving the local authority £60,000.

Councillor Bird today said no decision had been made on the town hall but nothing could be ruled out.

"Obviously, no decision has been made yet," he said. "But we are carrying out a review of what buildings we no longer require, and Darlaston Town Hall could be one of them. We need to capitalise on our assets.

"There would be a public outcry if it went — everybody has a soft spot for Darlaston Town Hall — but unfortunately it is a case of use it or lose it.

"We don't know what shape local government will be in in two years' time but we know it will be very different. Obviously, council buildings have rates and bills to pay, and a lot of money has been spent on Darlaston Town Hall. People need to use it."

The town hall officially reopened in June 2008 after a £325,000 makeover. Council chiefs said they were keen for the building to be used for weddings but so far not one ceremony has taken place, despite the hall receiving a marriage licence just under two years ago.

Walsall Council needs to save £70m by 2015 and is planning to reduce the number of its offices from 26 to two, raising £7.5m in sales. By 2016, more than 1,800 council staff will have been relocated to the Civic Centre and Council House. They will have to share 1,234 desks, with 20 per cent being asked to work from home.

About 350 employees could also be temporarily accommodated at 293 desks at the Education Development Centre in Rushall, the home of schools manager Serco.

To inquire about Darlaston Town Hall's availability, call 0845 111 2900.