Update on a buyer for Cheltenham's landmark municipal offices
When it went on the market last year the sale of Cheltenham's landmark municipal offices were the talk of the town. Carmelo Garcia, BBC local government reporter, provides the latest news on the deal.
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.
Who the new owner of Cheltenham’s landmark Municipal Offices and what the future holds for the iconic building will not be announced for some time.
The sale for the Grade II* listed home of Cheltenham Borough Council, which was put on the market in September, closed in January.
Civic chiefs say an announcement on who had the winning bid for the 68,290 sq ft Promenade building will not be made for another month or two.
The council has occupied the former row of terraced houses for more than a century but Borough chiefs want a buyer who can honour the property’s heritage while ensuring its optimal use for the future.
The building was developed by Samuel Harward between 1823 and 1840. The central seven houses were converted into Municipal Offices in 1916.
In recent times the council building has been described as “half empty” and not fit for the authority’s needs.
Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) said there will not be an announcement for a while but the building is “absolutely” on track to be sold.
“It will be in the near future,” she said this week. “It will be at least a month, if not two.”
The council previously extended the deadline for applications due to the large amount of interest in the building.
“It’s such an integral building for Cheltenham so placemaking forms an important part of it. That’s one of the things that will be considered,” Cllr Hay said previously.
“I’m chomping at the bit to find out who, what, when. It’s an iconic building but you have to move with the times.
“Working environments and buildings need to move with the times to be fit for purpose.
“As a Municipal Offices building with all the changes, occupying half a grade II listed building is not what that building deserves.
“That building deserves being brought back into proper life. Whatever that might be.”
“Whether that’s housing, a hotel or retail.”
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com