Hereford's Shirehall set to be turned into new community space
It will aim to give a permanent home to permanent home for Hereford’s public library
Hereford's Shirehall is set to be transformed into a new community space which is set to include a library and learning centre.
Permission for work to begin on the project was given at a planning meeting last month meaning work is now able to begin.
The council say initial parts of the work will focus on getting the building structurally sound, watertight and safe for public use, while repairing and preserving the building’s important heritage features after being out of use since 2020.
Further work, which is aimed to be finished by autumn 2026, will see the main entrance turned into a large, welcoming area with exhibition space, while the assembly hall will hold the new library.
Council leader Jonathan Lester says the plans are exciting and will be great to see when finished.
"The Shirehall has been one of the council's key buildings for a very long time and when we formed Herefordshire Council it was remained as one of the key assets for Herefordshire.
"It's iconic in its appeal and the the best thing about this project is not only will it promote learning and library and all of the benefits that a library and learning centre will create, but it will maximise the use of a really important heritage asset.
"We're likely to start those works towards autumn 2025 and we're delighted to be able to bring it back into use."
Library services will be available in Hereford Town Hall while the work is ongoing.