Whitchurch Civic Centre: Community group calls for expertise to secure future

A plea has gone out for expertise to help reopen Whitchurch Civic Centre, currently on Shropshire Council’s disposal list.

Creative Whitchurch, a community group formed from the "Save Our Civic" campaign, intends to take on the building to prevent demolition or commercial redevelopment.

The Civic Centre, opened in 1970 and formerly housing the local library and town council, has been mostly closed since September 2023 due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

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In February 2025, the Conservative-led council pledged up to £4 million to repair or rebuild it, but the current Liberal Democrat administration states no funding was secured.

Facing a financial emergency, the council cannot borrow more and voted on September 9 to dispose of the building. The council clarified it is not selling the centre but is in talks with Creative Whitchurch about a Community Asset Transfer.

Over 100 people attended a meeting on September 11 to hear plans.

Trustee Scott Radford described the challenge and called for expert help to revise their business plan and explore asset transfer options.

Councillor Sho Abdul mentioned possible funding from Community Infrastructure Levy money, with the council working alongside Creative Whitchurch.

Steve Law, council head of property, noted community groups can access resources unavailable to councils and promised to set a disposal timeline allowing time for proposals.

Council leader Heather Kidd highlighted a fundraising example from Bishop’s Castle and encouraged similar efforts in Whitchurch, acknowledging financial constraints and rising council tax.