Extra £1m pledged for historic city building

A further £1m has been earmarked for the transformation of a landmark city centre building undergoing a major change of use.

Hereford's grade II* listed Shirehall in St Peter's Square is being transformed into the city's new library and learning centre as part of the Stronger Hereford programme.

The building, which used to house two courtrooms, a custody suite and music venue, has remained largely unused since part of the roof collapsed in the main courtroom in 2020.

It is expected to reopen to the public late next year.

The first phase of essential works is already underway and Herefordshire Council said the extra funding would allow the second phase to be brought forward.

That will see windows refurbished and upgraded, LED lighting installed throughout, and the demolition of the now-vacant CCTV control room, which has been relocated to Maylord Orchards.

Solar panels, which will be funded separately, will be fitted and there will also be a new and remodelled kitchen.

A 15-20% share of the spending has been allocated for risk contingency, given the age and condition of the 19th Century building.

Funded by borrowing, the sum comes out of £2.9m allocated in this financial year for the Shirehall project, the rest of which covers the ongoing first phase of works.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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