New community group formed in bid to save Whitchurch Civic Centre

A new community group has been formed with the aim of saving Whitchurch's beleaguered Civic Centre.

Creative Whitchurch, which is currently being established as a charitable incorporated organisation, has emerged from the three-year ‘Save Our Civic' campaign and has now drawn up proposals for a possible new future.

Most of the Civic Centre in High Street has been closed since September 2023 after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete alongside wider structural concerns.

Shropshire Council has said it cannot afford the £4 million required to upgrade the building and is set to put it up for sale.

Creative Whitchurch wants to see the building brought back to life as a professionally managed community, cultural and civic hub and has put forward its own recommendations.

Among other things, it is calling for early engagement with community organisations and potential delivery partners, publication of the proposed development brief and disposal timetable and decision-making that distinguishes between the cost of making the building safe and the cost of operating it sustainably.

It said: "A revived Civic Centre would contribute to town centre vitality and the local economy.

"It should be an accessible space for arts, culture, education, events, groups and public services, supporting local participation, wellbeing and community cohesion."

Creative Whitchurch is now urging Shropshire Council to give a community asset transfer a proper opportunity before any irreversible disposal decision is taken.

The council cabinet is due to consider the Civic Centre and Library at its meeting on September 9 and the current proposal is to begin a managed disposal process.

Creative Whitchurch says it recognises the serious structural and financial challenges facing the council but feels putting the building on the market should be treated as an opportunity to test all viable options and not as the end.

In a statement, the group added: "Whitchurch needs a clear, evidence-led process that examines whether the Civic Centre can be retained as a long-term civic asset under community-led ownership and management.

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"We welcome the council's statement that disposal would not automatically predetermine demolition or redevelopment and that viable community proposals could continue to be considered. The intention is to create a sustainable civic and cultural hub serving residents, community organisations, public services, visitors and businesses."

The council said in a statement ahead of next week's cabinet meeting: "Surveys carried out this year confirm continuing RAAC deterioration and wider concerns and due to its known financial position Shropshire Council is not able to fund the capital works required to make the building safe, compliant and suitable for reoccupation.

"If the recommendation to cabinet is agreed, officers would carry out a managed disposal process, supported by appropriate valuation, legal, planning, title and technical due diligence.

"The final disposal route may include a freehold sale, long leasehold disposal, conditional disposal, development agreement or another structure that balances best consideration, risk, control, deliverability and community outcomes."