Malcolm Noble: What next for Shire Hall?

Today’s speaker spoke on a subject close to the hearts of many Chelmsford residents. The Shire Hall has been empty for many years. What is its future?

Malcolm Noble is Chair of the charity that has been established to run the Shire Hall once it has been brought up to the required standards. He emphasised that the charity is not responsible for bringing it up to modern standards although it it taking an active part in ensuring this happens. Among other things, the work needed includes the installation of a lift and a fire escape. These have to be carefully planned, as the building is listed. It was originally built in 1780.

Plans have been prepared with advice from the local authority. The intention is to use the top floor and the west wing for commercial lets. One of the court rooms will be kept for people to visit and another will be converted to a restaurant. The entrance should be suitable for exhibitions.

There are cells in the basement. A tunnel links these with the old police station. One cell will be kept so visitors can see it with others possibly used for other purposes.

It is hoped to have a lease from the local authority but this needs to be signed before a projected change of local authority structure in May. Once it has been signed, the charity will have three years to bring the building up to modern standards.