Modern part of historical Guildhall up for sale

12 hours ago

Neve Gordon-Farleigh

BBC News, Northamptonshire

The modern part of Northampton's Guildhall (on the right) was built in 1992

Getty Images Aerial view of the Guildhall in Northampton. On the left is an older building which has two stories and a clock tower. On the right is a new extension to the building, which also have two floors and glass pain windows. — The modern part of Northampton's Guildhall (on the right) was built in 1992

The modern extension to a historical building in a town has been put up for sale.

The Guildhall in Northampton was previously the headquarters for West Northamptonshire Council, before the authority moved its staff to One Angel Square.

Last year the council said the move would "maximise" the use of its buildings and protect the county's heritage, while also saving the authority £350,000 per year.

Mark Arnull, a Reform UK councillor and leader of the authority, said: "It is the 1992 extension which is proposed for a leasehold disposal. We are looking for proposals which make good use of the building, having regard to its location next to the historic one."

The coroner's service, based in the building's modern extension, has moved to the old part of the Guildhall, which remains with the council.

When the council was set up in 2021, it inherited a range of buildings including the Victorian gothic Guildhall of 1864 and the 21st Century Forum in Towcester.

The gothic Guildhall building will remain in the council hands

Martin Giles/BBC Outside of the Guildhall in Northampton. On the right of the picture is a hanging basket of pink and orange flowers. The sky is cloudy. — The gothic Guildhall building will remain in the council hands

Arnull, said: "After a comprehensive review of the council's office space and property portfolio, there is an opportunity to better utilise these spaces while also reducing ongoing costs to the public purse.

"The Guildhall holds significant importance in both the town's and county's history and its historic part, originally from 1864 with a seamless extension in 1892, forms an integral part of the council's collection of heritage assets."

He added the price of the building was not being made public as it may "harm the ability of the council to secure the best deal".

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