HISTORIC GUILDHALL GIVEN A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Community role for town’s iconic landmark
THE future of one of a town centre’s most iconic landmarks has been secured for the next 12 months.
Support Staffordshire is to take over the running of Newcastle’s Guildhall and operate it as a ‘community hub’.
Several groups – including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Aspire Housing and Moneyline – have expressed an interest in renting space within the building.
That should cover the running costs, although Newcastle Borough Council will continue to insure the building and carry out external repairs. It comes as talks continue over the longterm future of the building, which dates back to 1713.
Support Staffordshire manager Jill Norman said: “This is a great opportunity to bring a range of voluntary organisations into the heart of Newcastle, and most of them will offer services direct to the public.
“Our own organisation plans to use the Guildhall to promote volunteering and match people to local organisations seeking volunteers.
“The new partnership will bring accessible, useful services to the people of Newcastle.”
The Guildhall had fallen into disrepair before the council took back the lease in 2008, refurbished the building and opened it as a customer service centre. It closed following the relocation of staff to Castle House.
A consultation found townspeople want the building to be used for arts and cultural activities, community and voluntary groups or small business pop-up trading days.
Council leader Simon Tagg, below, said: “Interim arrangements are now in place to make excellent use of this beautiful and much-loved public building while longer term plans are agreed. “Residents have played a very important part in the process – their ideas and suggestions during the consultation process have helped to shape service delivery. “There has also been great interest from community and voluntary organisations that provide valued services to residents such as money and employment-related advice. Support Staffordshire has a successful track record of delivering services for voluntary and community groups as well as managing premises.
“Leaving the Guildhall to become redundant was not an option. The scheme helps to protect the fabric and heritage of the Guildhall and adds character to the existing retail provision in Newcastle town centre.”