No timeline on Shirehall repairs

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Monday, 12 October 2020 21:04

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

County council chiefs cannot say when repairs to Hereford’s Shirehall will be completed.

Some of the timbers and plaster collapsed in court room one at the 19th century building on St Peter’s Square in June.

The grade II* listed hall is where Herefordshire Council holds its meetings and is also home to Hereford Crown Court.

Councillor Kema Guthrie asked for an update on how the works were proceeding.

“It’s probably three times the Shirehall has had an issue with collapsed ceilings,” she said.

“Is there a timescale as to when the surveys, structural alterations and improvements are going to be completed by?

“And when the works have been completed, can members be assured there will be no further collapses in the future?”

Council leader David Hitchiner told last week’s full council meeting that the repair cost figures were “a bit eyewatering”.

“This is a building which requires particular care in the way it is going to be refurbished,” he said.

“We have some issues with the town hall as well. It’s all a matter of priorities at the end of the day. Where are we going to be spending the money?

“I would hate to provide you with a date and then find it is not achievable.”

Commissioning, procurement and assets cabinet member Gemma Davies said a full condition survey of the building is well underway and they hope to future proof the historic hall.

She said she there was a plan in place, but it did not have a timeline.

“I’ve asked them to look at the entire building and the maintenance of it to make sure everything is up to standard,” she said.

“There will be things coming forward where an awful lot of money will have to be spent on some of our assets in order for them in the future to not cost us more money.”