The future owner of Cheltenham’s historic Municipal Offices and the plans for the iconic building are yet to be disclosed.
The sale of the Grade II* listed property, home to Cheltenham Borough Council, was concluded in January after being put on the market in September.
Local officials have indicated that it will be another month or two before the announcement of the successful bidder for the 68,290 sq ft Promenade building.
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Having served as the council’s base for over a century, municipal officials are seeking a buyer who will preserve the property’s heritage while ensuring its optimal utilization in the future.
Originally developed by Samuel Harward between 1823 and 1840, the central seven houses were transformed into Municipal Offices in 1916. More recently, the building has been reported as being “half empty” and unsuitable for the council’s operations.
Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) confirmed that the sale is progressing as planned but the specifics will not be disclosed immediately.
While a significant level of interest has been expressed in the property, the council extended the application deadline.
“The building is a crucial part of Cheltenham, so its impact on the locality will be a key consideration,” said Cllr Hay.
Describing the building as iconic, she emphasized the importance of aligning the use of the Municipal Offices with modern requirements.
“It is crucial for the working environment and the structure itself to evolve in order to remain functional in today’s context,” she added.
Reflecting on the building’s current state, Cllr Hay stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to revitalize the property, potentially including repurposing it for housing, a hotel, or retail.