Detailed plans to transform Shrewsbury’s historic Music Hall into a museum, tourist information centre and cafe have finally been submitted to borough council officials.

The aim is to improve public access to the complex building, parts of which date back to the 13th century. More modern parts could be demolished. The multi-million pound scheme has suffered financial setbacks after failing to get lottery money.

The authority will learn in December if its latest claim is successful.

Project leader Dominic Wallis said it was important to submit detailed plans now to keep the scheme on track.

He said: “It is all down to timing. The building empties out on January 5 and if we wait until Heritage Lottery and Advantage West Midlands make up their minds whether they are going to help fund the scheme, we won’t start until June, which will leave the building empty for three or four months.”

The scheme is £1.6 million short of the £10.6 million it needs. Mr Wallis said: “The scheme is going to take three years so we can start the work. The project board has considered the risk and options and decided it is best to start early and know over the three years we have to find the money.”

Mr Wallis said in the wor-st case scenario, without the extra money, “vital” collection storage, collection cons- ervation and education wor- kshops would be scrapped.

The plans show the modern boiler house would be demolished to reveal the 13th century Vaughan’s Ma- nsion. The council is looking for tenders for the internal demolition and stripping out of the Music Hall, which is made up of nine buildings with elements of Victorian and Medieval architecture.

The design and access statement says the proposal aims to give the public all possible access to areas of significance.

By Rebecca Lawrence