Whitchurch Civic Centre reopen to the public after revamp
Whitchurch Civic Centre has reopened fully to the public (from Friday 9 May 2014) following a programme of works to improve the building and the facilities on offer. The library was opened on Friday 2 May 2014.
The work, which began in September 2013, included improvements to the façade and landscaping at the front of the building, internal alterations to create a more welcoming foyer, and a significant upgrade of the heating, water, and electrical systems. The new foyer area now accommodates Shropshire Council’s Information Point, Whitchurch Town Council’s reception and the Tourist Information Point, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ to access information in Whitchurch.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth, and commissioning north, said:
“I am pleased to see that this essential work to upgrade and enhance the centre is now complete. These improvements will help to revitalise the town by attracting more visitors to the building itself and the high street.”
Michelle Wilson, Whitchurch Town Clerk, added:
“The town council is very pleased with the Civic Centre’s refurbishment and we look forward to the new community hub providing a unique and exceptional service to the people of Whitchurch.”
The library opened on Friday 2 May, and a formal celebration to mark the opening of the remaining part of the building will take place on Friday 9 May at 11am.
Planning permission for the redevelopment work was granted in January 2012. Greenspace Architects, based in Ellesmere, designed and managed the improvement work, which was carried out by Knockin-based construction business, Pave Aways Limited.
The designs were agreed following detailed public consultations, which saw the draft designs displayed at the Civic Centre, at a public meeting attended by more than 60 people, and following a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including market traders, regular visitors to the centre, and landscape experts.
The £863,000 project was funded by Shropshire Council, including funding from the council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme; Whitchurch Town Council; and from the Sainsbury’s Unilateral Undertaking funding for public realm improvements.
Further information
Whitchurch Civic Centre is owned by Shropshire Council. The town library is provided within a small part of the building, with the rest of the building leased to Whitchurch Town Council, which manages the weekly market and a range of sporting and community functions, as well as providing civic functions.
For further information about Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme click here.
