Shropshire Council has announced its recommended next steps for its former headquarters, Shirehall in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, proposing the demolition of the existing building to make way for a major mixed-use redevelopment.
The decision follows a comprehensive strategic review of the now-vacant site, conducted against the backdrop of the council’s declared financial emergency and its need to reduce significant spending.
Refurbishment Ruled Out
The review concluded that retaining or refurbishing the sprawling Shirehall building is financially unfeasible. Estimates for refurbishment reached up to £54.561 million, with the council citing extremely high costs, structural issues, and low demand for office space.
Options to simply sell the site or leave it undeveloped were also discounted due to ongoing security and maintenance costs, which currently run into “hundreds of thousands a year,” and the missed opportunity for wider community benefit.
Mixed-Use Scheme Proposed
The council is recommending that the existing building be demolished to enable a mixed-use redevelopment scheme. Initial proposals suggest the site could be used for: Extra care facilities to meet local needs, new GP medical centres, mixed-tenure residential accommodation and commercial space.
Councillor Heather Kidd, Shropshire Council’s Leader, acknowledged the building’s history but stressed the need to move on.
“Shirehall has been an institution for many residents… We moved out of Shirehall for the right reasons – it just became too big and costly for us… Although empty, the site still costs us hundreds of thousands a year to maintain and keep secure, so it’s important that we move on and make best use of it.”
Financial and Community Benefits
The recommended approach is designed to transform a costly liability into a valuable asset for the county. The council aims to address local housing and care needs, support economic activity, and deliver the project to high environmental standards to support its net-zero commitments.
Councillor Roger Evans, Cabinet member for finance, underscored the financial imperative.
“This is a difficult decision, but one that is necessary to secure the best outcome for Shropshire in challenging times… Our priority is to secure the least-cost, highest-value outcome for taxpayers and we feel that this option does just that.”
The demolition and redevelopment plan will now go before the Full Council today, Thursday 11 December, for formal endorsement.
If approved, the next steps will involve seeking outline planning consent for the scheme, initiating public engagement, and preparing a detailed business case for final sign-off.