Council’s U-turn on museum building
Tuesday 5th December 2006, 11:38AM GMT.
Borough councillors have made a U-turn on plans to sell Shrewsbury’s historic Rowley’s House following a huge public outcry.
Council leader Peter Nutting said members had listened to public opinion and voted last night not to accept any of the six bids from groups keen to take over the museum building in Barker Street.
The news was welcomed by campaigners today, including Margaret Owen who collected a petition of more than 8,000 signatures against the sale of the town’s “crown jewel”.
Councillor Nutting said the vote, which took place behind closed doors last night at the end of a full council meeting, had been “pretty well unanimous”.
“We have listened and that is what being a local council is about and we recognise that,” he said.
Councillor Nutting said the council was keeping an open mind as what would be done with the building now.
“It may be available on occasions for special events next summer, but it is not intended that it will be open as a museum,” he said.
Mrs Owen said: “The people of Shrewsbury have saved Rowley’s House.”
Bidders for the building included Morris Property, which wanted to build a hotel, restaurant homes, and Shropshire Homes, whose plans included 40 apartments.
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
