The Situation

The Shire Hall is in significant need of repair. Currently the home of Woodbridge Town Council, the ground floor of the Grade I-listed building is also a popular venue for weddings and private hire – adding to the vibrancy of our bustling town centre.

Its first floor is let for private use, although it cannot be used for community events due to accessibility requirements. Restoration and maintenance works would be necessary for the continued use of all areas of the building, with additional work required to unlock the potential of the first floor.

The Town Council has outlined three options for the future of the building and is launching a public consultation for the Woodbridge community to have its say.

The options:

Option 1: Restoration

In Option 1, the work identified by The Morton Partnership in 2021 would be carried out. This would involve repairs, maintenance and improvements to the exterior of the building and to the interior of the ground floor.

These works would help secure the building’s future as a base for the Town Council, avoiding the need for it to relocate.

Work would also revitalise the interior and ensure it would be fit for the needs of the Town Council and those who rely on the space.

The ground floor could continue to be used for public and community events, including weddings.

Please note that the estimated costs of £500,000 obtained in 2021 are likely to have increased with inflation.

Option 2: Renovation

A renovation of the building would involve all of the steps in Option 1, with the addition of the installation of a lift and improvement works to the first floor.

Making the first floor accessible would allow the space to be used for community events – or the Town Council could explore more permanent options such as a café or art gallery.

This would be the most expensive option of the three, with rough estimates standing at between £1.5m and £2m. The work would however open extensive new opportunities for the building and provide the town with a new community space - and the Town Council additional sources of revenue.

Option 3: Sale of the building

The Shire Hall could be sold on the open market.

Selling the building would require the Town Council to relocate its office. Moving to a smaller, more economically run premises could reduce running costs.

However, legal fees and relocation costs would have to be considered, as would the ongoing rent or purchase price of a new office. Another implication would be the loss of income opportunities through weddings and other hire.

Any change of use of The Shire Hall would be subject to usual planning permissions.

How would works be funded?

The Town Council has set aside £90,000 to contribute towards this project.

The Town Council has the opportunity to apply to borrow money from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) at a reduced interest rate.

Any loan would require repayment over a number of years. This could be repaid through an increase in the Council Tax precept required by Woodbridge Town Council.

More information on how Council Tax precepts work and the potential impacts such a loan would bring for residents can be found in our consultation document.

The Town Council will be transparent about the future costs of any scenario, which will form a major part of our discussions throughout the consultation process.

There will be an opportunity to discuss the financial implications at our public event at the Shire Hall at 9 June from 10am till 2pm.

 

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Consultation managed by Prominent PR on behalf of Woodbridge Town Council.