'It is important we move on': Cash-strapped council confirms plans to demolish Shrewsbury Shirehall

It says the recommendation comes after a review of the Abbey Foregate site, and includes a proposal for a 'mixed use' development to replace its former headquarters.

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The new development could include housing, extra care facilities, new GP medical centres, and commercial space.  

A vote on the proposal will be taken at today's council meeting.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Shropshire Council’s leader, said it was important for the authority to "move on".

She said: "Shirehall has been an institution for many residents and visitors, hosting numerous events, meetings, and public gatherings, playing a significant role in community life.

“We moved out of Shirehall for the right reasons – it just became too big and costly for us, especially following the pandemic. Unfortunately, due to the cost, it would never be an option to refurbish it for our use.

“Although empty, the site still costs us hundreds of thousands a year to maintain and keep secure, so it’s important that we move on and make best use of it.”

Councillor Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for finance, added: “This is a difficult decision, but one that is necessary to secure the best outcome for Shropshire in challenging times. We have looked at every option and are confident that this recommendation offers the greatest benefit to our residents and the council’s finances. 

“Our priority is to secure the least-cost, highest-value outcome for taxpayers and we feel that this option does just that.”  

The council officially closed the building earlier this year, after moving the majority of its staff to the Guildhall in Frankwell.

Campaigners have pressed the council to revive the building, arguing it is an important heritage asset that should be preserved.

A statement from the council outlining its position said: "Shropshire Council has published the findings of its strategic review of its former headquarters, Shirehall in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. 

"The review, which comes at a time of unprecedented financial pressure for the council, sets out a clear recommendation for the future of the now-vacant Shirehall building and surrounding site.  

"The council is currently managing a declared financial emergency, with significant management action underway to reduce spending, ensure financial stability and improve. In this context, every decision must be carefully weighed for its impact on both the council’s finances and the wider community. The future of Shirehall is no exception.

"Over the past year, the council has explored all possible options for the Shirehall site, including refurbishment, sale, and various redevelopment scenarios. Each option was rigorously assessed against three core objectives: meeting local needs, minimising environmental impact, and maximising our income, capital and reducing our spending.

"The review concluded that refurbishment or retention of the existing building is unfeasible due to extremely high costs (with estimates up to £54.561 million), structural and safety issues, and limited demand for office space. Options to sell the site or leave it undeveloped were also discounted due to ongoing costs and lost opportunities for community benefit.

"The recommended option therefore is to demolish the existing Shirehall building and pursue a mixed-use redevelopment. This could include extra care facilities, new GP medical centres, mixed tenure residential accommodation, and commercial space."

If the recommendation is approved, the council said it will seek outline planning consent for the mixed-use scheme, initiate public engagement, and prepare a detailed business case for final approval.