Northampton MP criticises council sale of Guildhall extension
Community leaders have spoken out against the sale since the plan was first announced last year by the then Conservative administration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The authority said at the time that not maintaining the extension would save £350,000 per year.Father Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints' Church, near the Guildhall, said it was "regrettable this arresting piece of modern architecture is going to fall out of public use".
Northampton Town Council is seeking legal advice after it was asked to move out of the original Guildhall as part of the "office optimisation plan".Speaking of the sale, town councillor Les Marriott said the extension was "architecturally impressive", provided a quiet space in the town centre and had hosted many community events. "We are concerned that any sale and subsequent change of use will result in the building and courtyard being lost to the general public indefinitely," he said.The town council welcomed further discussions with WNC to ensure "this much loved civic building continues to serve the public good for future generations", he added.Arnull said the council was looking for proposals which made good use of the building.The sale listing suggests a range of options for the building, including a boutique hotel, events venue, restaurant, residential, or continued office use.
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