£1 million study on future of Shirehall in Shrewsbury

Councillors yesterday voted to take the next step towards a £24 million transformation of the council’s headquarters which could bring new partners into the building including the possibility of shops and even a supermarket.

The study will also look at controversial plans to charge staff for car parking, a move the administration says will bring money into the council’s coffers.

The council’s deputy leader, Councillor Steve Charmley, said: “Staff and councillors have survived in a building that is not in a fit state to do business in for long enough.

“These plans offer a huge range of opportunities. They’ll make Shirehall better suited to modern working, providing our staff with a much improved place to work.

"They’ll save us money while reducing the cost of heating, lighting and maintaining the building, and will create income-generating opportunities for Shropshire Council through us acting as landlord for some of our public sectors partners.”

He said the plans would create a financial yield of seven per cent for the council.

If it goes ahead the transformation could be completed by the autumn of 2021.

Councillor Alan Moseley said the scheme should be looked at in conjunction with feasibility studies for moving to other sites in Shrewsbury, including the Riverside shopping centre.

Having a split site was another alternative, he said.

Concerns

Councillor Hannah Fraser said she was very concerned about parking and the rumours circulating that shops could be included in the project.

“There are even rumours of a supermarket which would be a bonkers suggestion.

“This area has huge problems as a car parking-hungry site. We are not going to get tenants if they can’t park.”

She also said she feared for the future of the playing fields.

Councillor Peter Nutting said that while he could not promise they would remain in 20 years’ time there were no plans to get rid of them as part of the current project.

He said the plans did, however, include charges for car parking, something criticised by Councillor Roger Parry who said the council should look after its staff.

The answer would be to build a multi-storey car park, Councillor Madge Shienton said.

Councillor Brian Williams said the council should explore the possibility of shops and a supermarket.

“We need to get across to the public that this will not be costing the public purse and will put putting money into Shropshire.”

The report to councillors said that the building in its current state appears old fashioned and unwelcoming and disorientating for staff and visitors alike.

Although the building is structurally sound and its key mechanical and electrical systems remain viable, a number of years with minimal planned maintenance has had a negative impact on the quality and performance of the building, which now needs to be addressed urgently.

A number of key elements have exceeded their expected lifespan.