New colour of Ludlow Assembly Rooms to be decided by vote
An historic arts venue in Shropshire will be repainted after years of its vibrant colour dividing the community – and the public will chose what colour it is to become.
Ludlow Assembly Rooms was painted lilac eight years ago, but the colour change left some local people feeling rather blue. The building is unmissable as the venue and attracts 200,000 visitors every year.
Bosses at the Assembly Rooms say after years of both positive and negative remarks residents will at last get the opportunity to have their say on the building's new colour.
Marketing manager Jenna Blair said the colour scheme had become a 'love it/hate it' issue in Ludlow and the time was right for a change. The vote to change the building's colour starts today.
She said: "The building was painted eight years ago in its current lilac shade. We have people coming in and commenting on the colour - some people love it, others hate it.
"We understand that LAR is an important building which overlooks the Castle Square and we have gained permission off Shropshire Council and local conservation officers to repaint it.
"We have decided to put the final decision for LAR's new colour scheme to a public vote. From 2pm today local people will be able to visit the Assembly Rooms and vote by secret ballot.
"We have come up with options for colour schemes ranging from green to yellow to blue.
"Voting closes at noon on Tuesday.
"Painting the outside of the building will form part of an ongoing redecoration process which has already begun inside the venue."
LAR will be open all weekend as some events which make up the Ludlow Food Festival, taking place in the town all weekend, are being hosted by the venue.
The LAR opened its doors in May 1993 in the restored and updated buildings of the former Assembly Rooms.
By Peter Finch
