Campaign group trying to save Whitchurch library and Civic Centre backed by council leader

In September 2023, structural engineers found that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) existed across the majority of the complex and it had major structural issues. As a result, the venue, apart from the sports/market hall, had to close.

A working group made up of local Shropshire Council and Whitchurch Town Council councillors and officers was set up to consider its future. The options on the table are to repair the building or replace it with a similar facility.

However, the “Save Our Civic! group believe that simply repairing it would not help its future viability.

“It looks dreadful, shabby and run down,” said Garry Churchill, a member of the “Save Our Civic!” group.

“We shouldn’t do it on the cheap, tempted by a quick fix that will be poor value for money and won’t stand the test of time.

“The Civic Centre and Library are over 50 years old, built to a lower budget 1970s specification using RAAC, now discredited as unsafe.”

Stella Ashbrook, who is a local business owner in the town, added: “The Civic Centre is an essential community asset in dire need of complete redevelopment to meet modern standards.

“We need it once again to become a thriving hub for the town, hosting events, services, and spaces that are vital to our residents’ well-being.

“We need an ambitious plan to give Shropshire a building to be proud of, and enhance Whitchurch’s reputation as a town with a flourishing high street which attracts visitors as well as local people.”

The group argue that a rebuilt venue would use less energy, coss less to run, and would be more sustainable financially.

“There will be a massive a pool of community goodwill that could bring in volunteer support and local fund-raising,” said Steve Chapman, who has run the town’s annual Blackberry Fair.

“We have seen how we can celebrate positive community energy through positive action, with support from local stakeholders and partners”.

Lezley Picton, leader of Shropshire Council said: “A report on the future of the Civic Centre was set to go to Cabinet in January.

“However, I decided to take the report off the agenda as I had concerns about the future viability of the centre if it is just repaired, and I wanted these concerns to be addressed. So, in effect I agree with what the Save our Civic group is saying.”

The council hope that a report can now go before Cabinet next month.