Cheltenham Borough Council has confirmed that the complex sale of its Municipal Offices on the Promenade will continue unaffected despite recent plans to reorganise local government in Gloucestershire.
The Municipal Offices, a grade II*-listed building and iconic Cheltenham landmark, have served as the council’s headquarters for over 110 years. The council announced in September 2024 its intention to sell the building.
Since May last year, negotiations have been underway with the preferred purchaser, Almiranta Capital Ltd, which proposes to convert the premises into a luxurious 125-room hotel, featuring a spa alongside event, banqueting, and conference facilities.
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Concerns have been raised amid reports earlier this year about increased council staff presence at the Municipal Offices, prompting questions on the status of the sale and the building’s future use.
Former Conservative councillor Emma Nelson inquired about the length of the exclusivity agreement with Almiranta Capital Ltd and sought clarity on when detailed plans for vacating the building would be announced.
Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Jeffries, responsible for finance and assets, emphasised the “complex” nature of the property transaction. He cited the building’s unique historical significance and evolving economic and political contexts as factors influencing the process.
Councillor Jeffries disclosed that the exclusivity agreement runs until 4 December this year, allowing the potential buyer sufficient time to complete necessary technical due diligence, including surveys, detailed drawings, cost assessments, and scheduling.
“The council therefore needs to allow the preferred bidder sufficient time to complete its work, while also continuing to protect the council’s position,” he stated.
Until greater clarity on the sale and timeline emerges, the council cannot specify a definitive date for vacating the Municipal Offices. Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to optimise current office usage through decluttering and space reorganisation, facilitating a smoother transition if required.
However, Councillor Jeffries cautioned that revealing relocation options prematurely could inadvertently affect the local economy, property market, and the council’s bargaining position.
Mrs Nelson further questioned the implications of the decision to create a single Gloucestershire unitary authority on the council’s plans to vacate the Municipal Offices. She noted previous preferences for two separate unitary authorities centred around Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Responding, Councillor Jeffries reiterated that while discussions on local government reorganisation continue, the sale of the Municipal Offices will proceed. Decisions concerning the new authority’s office locations will rest with the incoming administration.