The tender process has started for work to redevelop Cheltenham Town Hall after the announcement that funding has been released for a detailed feasibility study.

Cheltenham Borough Council has identified £2.4million of capital money towards the project.

The first stages will enable a detailed option for the hall's redevelopment to be worked up.

This plan will then be used to help secure further funding towards the total cost of the project.

A statement on gov.uk/contracts-finder  states: "An innovative and creative consultant is required to develop and provide a dynamic Masterplan Scoping Study of the Cheltenham Town Hall, exploring and defining its future potential to aid decision making and re-imagining the use of the asset in a 21st century setting."

Though the town hall is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council, it is managed by the Cheltenham Trust, an independent charity established in 2014 to develop Cheltenham's culture and sports economy and offer.

Working in partnership, the two organisations share a joint vision and commitment to ensure the town hall is developed to its full potential, preserving its heritage while opening it up to new audiences and future generations.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "Cheltenham Town Hall, our town hall, belongs to the people of Cheltenham.

"We want it to be a place for everyone and for it to be as open, welcoming, creative and as enjoyable as it can be.

"Steeped in heritage, the town hall provides a stunning backdrop for entertaining audiences with its variety of year-round performances and provides invaluable space for private functions and corporate events.

"But there is so much more potential to be unlocked to move it into the future and offer even more for audiences far and wide.

"The next stage of the plans need to develop how the venue can further enrich the lives of people who live, visit and work here through its wide-ranging content programme, commercial use, activities and events, and engagement with local communities."

Julie Finch, chief executive of the Cheltenham Trust, said: "Cheltenham already punches above its weight regionally and nationally with its cultural offering.

"Our vision for the town hall is to create a vibrant centre of cultural activity that draws in people from all backgrounds, including those who don't currently engage in cultural activities.

"This is a real opportunity to develop a distinctive, destination venue and to attract significant funding from a wide range of organisations to inject new life into a reimagined venue.

"We want the hall to become a hub that brings people together, that offers vital new experiences and harnesses talent through a diverse range of cultural and social activities, it will be seen nationally as an exemplar."

Last year, redevelopment of the town hall was announced top of the town's wish list, following a public consultation exercise led by the council and trust, this objective is now being explored fully.

Picture credit: geograph

Copyright Anthony O'Neil  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.