Council puts 'iconic Regency' offices up for sale

A council has listed its "iconic Regency" building for sale.

It is hoped that the sale of Cheltenham Borough Council's Municipal Offices will help the town "evolve and prosper".

The council has been in the Gloucestershire building for 100 years, and estate firm Avison Young is now seeking a purchaser that can "respect the heritage" of the property.

Council leader Rowena Hay described the sale as a "magical opportunity" to put the historic building back on the map.

The Grade II listed building has the potential to be converted into multiple uses including commercial, office or residential space.

Director at Avison Young Daniel Rich said: “We’re anticipating strong interest from potential developers who want to take this heritage property into the future.

“We’re committed to working with the council to find the right occupier who will respect this iconic Regency building, with a conservation-led approach to modernising, and we’re also engaging with stakeholders to ensure viewpoints are heard before a sale is made.”

Ms Hay added that "appropriate redevelopment of the iconic building" could have social, economic and environmental benefits for Cheltenham and allow the town to "prosper".

“This also presents an exciting new time for the council and whilst we are committed to retaining a town centre presence for our customers and to further improve our services, we know that the time is right for us to step aside and see a new future for the Municipal Offices," she added.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.