Easter start for Bishop's Castle Town Hall's £700,000 restoration
Major £700,000 renovation work to revamp an historic Shropshire town hall will finally start at Easter, it has been revealed.
Leaders behind the ambitious revamp of the 18th century Grade II listed Bishop's Castle Town Hall said they hoped it would be restored to its former glory by the end of the year. The cash for the scheme has come in the main from a Heritage Lottery grant awarded last September.
The massive redevelopment will see it turned into a 'community hub' for local people and visitors to find out more about the town and the area.
It will still also remain the base for Bishop's Castle Town Council and the venue for the town's weekly markets.
Sam Hine, town hall project manager, said the selection procedure for the main works contractor had already started.
She added: "It is hoped to make an appointment in early March with a view to starting on site at Easter.
"If all goes to plan the Town Hall will be fully renovated by the end of the year.
"It is great to finally implement the renovation scheme and its an exciting time for the town."
Project leaders plan to open the town hall building on January 30 from 4pm to 7.30pm in order to celebrate the launch of the project and to share the detail of the plans.
Project architect, Philip Belchere, will be on hand to answer questions.
A whole range of heritage activities are also in the pipeline over the coming months.
These will include a drama and film project which will take place in association with students from the nearby community college, costume-making workshops, historical research and interpretation events, and also sessions of reminiscences in order to capture memories of the town hall over the last 100 years.
A new Town Hall Trust has been set up to manage the building.
By Wayne Beese
