Future of Whitchurch Civic Centre

Whitchurch Civic Centre could be saved – if Shropshire Council can find up to £4 million.

Cabinet will next week (February 12) be asked to identifty the money within its capital strategy towards the repair or rebuilding of the centre – and to agree to an urgent ‘needs analysis’ to ensure that its future configuration meets the needs of local people.

The building, situated in Whitchurch High Street, has been closed since September 2023 – except for the sports/market hall. This was after specialist engineers found that RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) existed across the majority of the complex, and that it has major structural issues.

The money will either be used for:

• a rebuild/redevelopment of the Civic Centre in accordance with the needs analysis if either Government or external funding can be secured
• a new roof for the centre – and other repairs – if no Government or external funding can be secured.

Following a consultation held last year, a working group made up of local councillors and officers was set up to consider the future of the building.

It carried out a feasibility study into the two most popular options – to either repair or replace the centre.

This work has also included looking at how the centre can be economically and efficiently run and managed in the future by Whitchurch Town Council.

“We know the importance of the civic centre to Whitchurch and to people who live in and around the town,” said Dean Carroll, Cabinet member for housing and assets.

“The public consultation gave us a valuable insight into what people think about the future of the building, and about how they use – or have used – the building.

“We’re proposing to identify £4m of capital funding to help bring the centre back into use. Whether this means a new roof or a complete rebuild will then depend on whether the working group and external partners can secure the additional Government or other external funding that a rebuild would require.

“And before any work takes place, we need to establish what facilities and services the people of Whitchurch and the surrounding area want and need, so that the future centre best meets the need of the town and that it is a viable and fit for purpose facility for the future.”