With funding from the Future High Streets Fund, the development of Leamington Town Hall will become the next major project to be integrated into Leamington’s Creative Town Centre,
Construction will begin in June 2024 marking the first phase of restoration and access improvements to Leamington Town Hall as part of its journey towards becoming a creative hub.
Work is planned to take place between now and early 2025, and will deliver improved public access through the inclusion of a new accessible lift, improved welfare facilities and a refurbished reception space. It will make the Town Hall, more ‘fit for purpose’ and will enable this significant historic building to continue to play a central role in the cultural life of the district.
Leamington Town Hall
Built in 1884 using John Cundall designs, Leamington Spa Town Hall sits prominently on the Parade; one of the busiest streets in the district.
Constructed of Pinkish-red brick with sandstone ashlar dressings, a partly fish-scaled Welsh slate roof, and a 44-metre clock tower on the southern end; the building remains a much loved and iconic landmark.
Warwick District Council (WDC) owns and operates the Leamington Spa Town Hall, managing a variety of hireable rooms and leased offices.
The spaces within the Grade II listed building consist of several hireable rooms and leased offices. The Assembly Hall is currently occupied by internationally recognised dance theatre company – Motionhouse, we provide offices for Leamington Music. The building also houses the Council Chamber (80 seated capacity), four hireable meeting rooms (various capacities), and is managed by Warwick District Council’s Arts Section.
On the ground floor, office space is leased to Leamington Town Council and following the closure of Riverside House, also acts as an office base for WDC staff and services. The Council Chamber hosts Committee and Council meetings on a regular basis throughout the year.
Future High Street Fund / Creative Quarter
In December 2020, Leamington Spa received funding from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF). The fund will support the transformation of locations north and south of the River Leam and reconnects key locations to the town centre, helping to deliver the ‘Town Centre Vision and Strategy’ and the vision for a ‘Leamington Creative Quarter’.
The Leamington Town Hall Creative Hub (THCH) project forms a key part of the wider ‘Transforming Leamington’ programme of work.
The Initial development ideas for the Town Hall were prepared as part of the FHSF bid, and aims to increase public accessibility to the Town Hall and position it use as a new ‘Creative Hub’ within the town’s wider Creative Quarter.
The Leamington Town Hall Creative Hub project will be the second major project to be integrated into Leamington’s creative Town Centre, following the flagship Spencer Yard redevelopment.
Design
The designs for the refurbishment through, to and including RIBA stage 4, have been completed by architects and heritage consultants Purcell.
Stakeholders have been engaged to help the Council develop the proposals by taking a holistic approach to the whole building, whilst also reviewing the proposals that formed the FHSF bid.
The planning application W_23_0381 and Listed Building Consent Application W_23_0382 is the result of that work. The planning authority has been consulted with throughout the project and is receptive of the scheme. The full set of Leamington Town Hall refurbishment planning documents are available for information.
What will be delivered in Phase One?
In phase one we will
- ‘Open up’ the existing reception area to provide a new ‘welcome’ space for visitors.
- Clear the building main entrance, corridors, and first floor level to provide spaces for public exhibition.
- Create flexible, multi-use space.
- Construct a modern rear extension, to provide improved toilets and passenger lift.
- Carry out necessary fire upgrades to achieve compliance with current building regulations.
- Deliver necessary internal repairs and refurbishment.
What does the future hold?
We have ambitions to continue to develop the Town Hall in the future and aim to secure more funding to support our longer-term plans.
Future development could include,
- Makers spaces that provide opportunities for local artists to create and showcase their work?
- Additional hireable multi-use spaces for workshops, conferences, meetings, and community events?
- Spaces dedicated for young people that promote the use of the building as a place to connect with other community users.
- A new café ?
These future interventions are subject to additional funding and relevant permissions from the Local Authority.
The Stage One development is planned for completion in 2024 and will be a fantastic way to celebrate the anniversary of 140 years since Leamington Town Hall Inauguration.
The project will help us to safeguard the future of the Town Hall as central to civic cultural and urban life for years to come.
Creative Quarter website
You can find more current information about the Creative Quarter on the Creative Quarter website.
FAQs
How long will the works take?
The construction programme is planned for 30 weeks
Will the site still be accessible during the works?
We aspire to maintain access for staff and tenants throughout construction if deemed safe to do so. To achieve this, there are several temporary access arrangements being established as part of the enabling works.
During the construction phase, visitors will be required to visit only by arrangement
I use the car park at the back of the Town Hall, will that be disrupted?
We have contacted as many local businesses and neighbours on Regent Grove to better understand their use the rear car parking of the Town Hall as some demolition is planned to the rear of the building.
We are planning to contain the works as much as possible to continue to allow full access to the rear car park, however there may be short periods of time when delivery or waste removal may limit access.
What is being done to protect the peregrines during the works?
We are working closely with consultant ecologists from Swift Ecology and our partners Warwickshire Wildlife Trust throughout the build. We have consulted with other stakeholders and received approval on our approach from WDC Assets and WCC Ecology.
The works will be delivered in line with an agreed management plan that aims to ensure that the peregrines are not disturbed through the construction process, in accordance with specific regulations.