Council cash pledge to aid Whitchurch Civic Centre revamp

Members of Whitchurch Town Council pledged to use cash in the authority's reserves to help fund improvements to Whitchurch Civic Centre at an extraordinary meeting held last night.

They said they were determined to "give Whitchurch a hall and venue that it can be proud of". In November councillors approved a three-phase scheme to redevelop the 1970s building after viewing artist's impressions.

Phase is expected to cost £684,000 and will include improvements to the facade and internal alterations to create a more welcoming foyer.

The money has been provided by Shropshire Council but project leaders have admitted there is no funding for phases two and three.

But councillors last night agreed to use funds from council reserves to contribute towards phase three of the works, which will involve refurbishing the main hall.

Councillor Alistair Young said: "When phase one is complete the outside of the building and the foyer are going to look fantastic.

"What we do not want is people to then come inside and be disappointed by the main hall. This is a big project but we need to give Whitchurch a hall and venue that it can be proud of. "

Councillor John Sinnott undertook a survey to see what work to the hall is required.

He said: "I have looked around the hall but it still needs a proper survey. The floor needs resurfacing, and the curtains on the stage also need replacing. There are holes in some of the walls where people have looked for asbestos and they need to be filled properly.

"The main stage needs work and the changing rooms and showers are appalling."

Councillors unanimously agreed to draw up a list of what work needs to be done and to start speaking to contractors about the work.

But they decided against setting an exact figure on how much to invest until estimates had been received.

Councillor Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "This decision means we do not have to go through the lengthy process of applying for grants to get some of the work done."

Zoe Dean, assistant town clerk, said phase two, which includes improvements to rooms on the first floor, would hopefully be funded through a Heritage Lottery Grant.

Neil Willcox, commissioning manager for Shropshire Council and project manager for the revamp, said it was hoped a contractor for the first phase will be appointed in August.