Cheltenham residents will soon learn what is planned for the town's Municipal Offices as its sale process has now closed. The Grade II* listed building, spanning 68,290 sq ft, was put on the market by Cheltenham Borough Council in September, with a decision on the successful bid expected soon.
Having been the council's home for over a century, local leaders are seeking a buyer who will respect the building's heritage while ensuring it meets contemporary needs, reports . Liberal Democrat council leader Rowena Hay (Oakley) confirmed that the sale period has ended and bids are under review.
Although unaware of the bidders' identities, she believes the property should be revitalised, potentially as housing, a hotel, or retail space. Recently, the Municipal Offices have been "half empty" and unsuitable for the council's requirements.
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"The sale is closed and the applications are being evaluated currently," Hay remarked. "We extended the date to close the applications because there was a lot of interest. There has been significant interest. It isn't necessarily about getting the biggest amount of money.
"It's such an integral building for Cheltenham so placemaking forms an important part of it. That's one of the things that will be considered.
"I'm chomping at the bit to find out who, what, when. It's an iconic building but you have to move with the times. Working environments and buildings need to move with the times to be fit for purpose.
"As a Municipal Offices building with all the changes, occupying half a grade II listed building is not what that building deserves. That building deserves being brought back into proper life. Whatever that might be. Whether that's housing, a hotel or retail."
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