Deadlock over £7 million Stafford Shire Hall revamp
Stafford's Shire Hall looks set to remain closed for the foreseeable future after council chiefs admitted they are struggling to raise funding for the iconic site.
The 18th century Grade II* listed pile has been mainly shut to the public since summer 2017, with only occasional events such as art exhibitions taking place.
Bosses at Staffordshire County Council are desperate to get it fully re-opened, and last year unveiled a £7 million plan that would see it transformed into a mixed use venue including an events area, a restaurant and a small business start-up space.
But they say they are no closer to raising the cash, although talks aimed at locating potential funding sources are said to be ongoing.
Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: "A review of Shire Hall carried out by architectural regeneration specialists suggested a mixed use for the building, including a high-quality event and exhibition area, small business start-up space and a restaurant, bar or café in the vaults.
"There is also potential for local groups to exhibit in one of the courtrooms.
"However, this is a Grade II* listed building and the necessary work to deliver these ideas would cost around £7 million.
"We are working with partners such as Stafford Borough Council and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to find possible sources of funding.
"In the meantime the building is regularly inspected, maintained and heated.
"It remains in occasional use hosting events such as IRONMAN, art and architecture exhibitions and court re-enactments and will be used again several times later this year."
Councillor Aidan Godfrey, the Labour group leader on Stafford Borough Council, said: "It is disappointing that the Shire Hall remains closed.
"The Labour group on Stafford Borough Council look forward to it reopening and resuming its important role in the life of our community."
Stafford MP Theo Clarke has called for Shire Hall to be re-opened as soon as possible. "I understand there are significant financial issues with reopening the Shire Hall," she said.
"However, in light of the unique history and central location in Stafford of this building, I think that we should be doing everything we can to reopen it and consider fresh options of how we can make this happen."
A breakdown of the costs for the plans shows a £917,000 outlay on building repairs, £1.5m on toilets and circulation, £1.4m on revamping the old library area and £892,000 for work on the Civic hall and courts.
