Former council HQ to be put up for sale

2 hours ago

Paul RogersLocal Democracy Reporter

The Shirehall was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1967

BBC A six-storey office building with bands of glass windows. protruding out of the building in a raised Portland stone ovoid window-less council chamber. A lawn and path can be seen in the foreground. — The Shirehall was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1967

Shropshire Council's former headquarters is to be put up for sale.

Shirehall, a six-storey 1960s office block in Shrewsbury, currently costs the authority about £400,000 a year. Staff vacated the site at the end of 2024 moving to the Guildhall in the town centre.

"Continuing to pay money for nothing is no longer an option," said Lib Dem council leader Heather Kidd adding the council needed to get a grip on its finances.

The future of the building had been a contentious issue, with opposition parties and a campaign group keen to keep it open and be refurbished. The decision to sell was made after a three hour debate at a cabinet meeting.

Councillors discussed a report into its future, which included an independent review that recommended its sale.

Both the building and the land it sits on would be sold.

The council is facing major financial woes - exceptional financial support (EFS) from government has been required to allow the authority to submit a balanced budget for 2026/27.

Capital receipts generated through the sale of redundant assets could be used to reduce reliance on EFS and reduce the consequent borrowing costs, the report said.

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