Stafford's Shire Hall in museum and weddings plan

The Princes Regeneration Trust has been commissioned to draw up a report on the historic Grade II* listed building in Stafford which was closed by Staffordshire County Council in July.

Now it has been revealed they are expected to publish their report in November following numerous exciting ideas submitted to the organisation in recent weeks.

Campaign group the Friends of Stafford (FoS) have recently met with Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy to discuss the latest developments for the Hall, which historically was a court room while others spaces have been used for a library, art gallery and university teaching.

FoS member Mike Dennison said:

"The huge building can house several different sections, suggestions include a café, a women’s museum, offices, an RAF museum - it is their centenary in 2019.

"In addition, ideas have been put forward for rotating museums from the Victoria & Albert Museum and British Museum and wedding service venue. The traditional court will be kept with views to revamp the newer court room. Happily, the Judges House now is home to the Chambers of Commerce.”

Mr Lefroy added: "In November, we are expecting a report from The Princes Regeneration Trust giving their advice of the best and workable ideas from those put forward. The recommendations will then go to a public consultation so everyone will be able to have their say. Moving forward from that if we have the basic outline by the spring and can move on it later in 2018 that would be ideal, we do not want to leave the building empty for longer than is necessary, but we need to get it right."

Councillor Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Economic Growth, said: “The county council is committed to ensuring Shire Hall is maintained and preserved for future generations.

“The intention is to find ways of keeping it, and the buildings behind it, busy, successful and able to have a viable future that also projects the heritage of our county town.

“The Prince’s Regeneration Trust is a world-leader in revitalising historic buildings and I am confident that this will produce the best solution for a sustainable future for the building.”

He added: “At the same time we are already talking to other public and private sector partners to discuss various possibilities and it’s fair to say there has been an encouraging response.”