Cheltenham Borough Council has reassured that the “complex” sale of its Municipal Offices will continue unaffected despite recent changes in local government structure across Gloucestershire.
The Municipal Offices, an iconic Grade II*-listed building situated on the Promenade, has served as the council’s headquarters for over 110 years. In a strategic decision, the council announced the building would go up for sale in September 2024.
Since May last year, negotiations have been underway with the preferred purchaser, Almiranta Capital Ltd. The company aims to transform the site into a high-end 125-room hotel featuring a spa, along with event, banqueting, and conference facilities.
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Concerns have arisen regarding these discussions, particularly following reports earlier this year that an increased number of council staff have been relocated back to the Municipal Offices.
Former Conservative councillor Emma Nelson inquired specifically about the duration of the exclusivity agreement held with Almiranta Capital Ltd and sought information on when more concrete plans regarding the council’s eventual departure from the premises would be announced.
In response, Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Jeffries, responsible for finance and assets, described the property transaction as “complex” due to the building’s unique scale and importance, combined with the evolving economic and political landscape.
Cllr Jeffries confirmed that the exclusivity period extends until 4 December this year. This timeframe was requested to allow the preferred bidder to undertake thorough technical due diligence, encompassing necessary surveys and reports to inform detailed architectural drawings, cost assessments, and project 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 emphasised.
He added that a definitive timeline for vacating the Municipal Offices cannot be provided until there is greater clarity on the sale’s outcome and the associated redevelopment programme.
Alongside the sale process, the council is actively exploring options to optimise current office use by reviewing space, decluttering, and reorganising to support greater efficiency and facilitate a smoother transition when required.
Cllr Jeffries noted that publicly disclosing potential relocation options at this stage could adversely affect the town centre economy, the broader market, and the council’s negotiation strength.
In a subsequent question during the 20 July council meeting, Mrs Nelson asked how the recent decision to merge Gloucestershire’s county and district councils into a single unitary authority-likely headquartered at Shire Hall in Gloucester-would affect the Municipal Offices' future.
Addressing this, Cllr Jeffries acknowledged ongoing dialogues regarding local government reorganisation and affirmed that the sale of the offices is proceeding as planned.
“Where the new authority chooses to locate its offices will be a separate decision for them,” he concluded.