By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is excitement over the future of Cheltenham landmark Municipal Offices as its sale has now closed.
Cheltenham Borough Council put the 68,290 sq ft, Grade II* listed building on the market in September.
And a decision on the winning bid for the Promenade building is due in the coming weeks.
The council has occupied the building for more than a century but Borough chiefs want a buyer who can honour the property’s heritage while ensuring its optimal use for the future.
Liberal Democrat council leader Rowena Hay (Oakley) said the sale period has now closed and applications are being evaluated.
While she does not know who is among the bidders she says the building deserves to be brought back into life whether that’s housing, hotel or retail.
In recent times the Municipal Offices have been “half empty” and not fit for the council’s needs, she said.
“The sale is closed and the applications are being evaluated currently,” she said.
“We extended the date to close the applications because there was a lot of interest.
“There has been significant interest. It isn’t necessarily about getting the biggest amount of money.
“It’s such an integral building for Cheltenham so placemaking forms an important part of it. That’s one of the things that will be considered.
“I’m chomping at the bit to find out who, what, when. It’s an iconic building but you have to move with the times.
“Working environments and buildings need to move with the times to be fit for purpose.
“As a Municipal Offices building with all the changes, occupying half a grade II listed building is not what that building deserves.
“That building deserves being brought back into proper life. Whatever that might be.”
“Whether that’s housing, a hotel or retail.”