Photo: © Copyright Matthew Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Making better use of Plymouth's Guildhall

A new project has been launched to make better use of Plymouth’s Guildhall as part of an ongoing drive to make the most of council-owned buildings.

Plymouth City Council has started a soft market test to gauge interest in use of the Guildhall, and is holding a two day event for interested parties. Those who want to know more will be able to come to the Guildhall on Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May.

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader: “This is an exciting opportunity for a potential partner organisation to work with us on rejuvenating one of our most iconic facilities. The Guildhall is a historic building which dates back to the 1870s and we want to make much better use of it for the benefit of the local community.”

The Guildhall has a number of under-used facilities, including the Main Hall (with a capacity of 950), the Lower Hall (300), along with a mezzanine lounge, two bars and a large catering kitchen (which is currently not used). There are also two additional meeting rooms with capacities of 90 and 60 and also dedicated on-site parking with space for up to 30 cars.

The new project aims to:

Identify opportunities to broaden the facilities and services offered by the Guildhall
Improve daytime use of the Guildhall
Integrate community and charitable involvement in the Guildhall
Propose a commercially viable way of charging
Identify other ways of raising revenue through use of the Guildhall

If you are interested in visiting the Guildhall on one of the days to see what is on offer, contact Ian Jenner on 01752 398925 or email ian.jenner@plymouth.gov.uk

If you are unable to attend these specific days, contact Ian and we will aim to find an alternative time.

Those interested can visit www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk – deadline for submissions is 12pm on Friday 5 June.