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 | Saving Hitchin Town Hall |
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Preserving and enhancing the facilities offered by Hitchin Town Hall has been the subject of much debate locally and is a matter close to the heart of Hitchin Councillors. Over the last couple of years approximately £200,000 has been spent on the town hall; whilst usage has been low at only 40%, it costs £80,000 per year just to keep open! This situation cannot continue.
Whilst the Hitchin Councillors were initially sceptical about the whole proposal, a clearer picture is now emerging which promises a much enhanced modern community facility in the centre of Hitchin.
The chosen option proposes:
- an enhanced District Museum, replacing both Hitchin and Letchworth Museums which are no longer fit for purpose
- a Community Hall, with a sprung floor for dances, sporting activities and other events which will seat approximately 200 people and standing approx. 400
- a shop, restaurant and kitchen area, improved toilet facilities including showers
- a Gallery for exhibitions facing Brand Street to attract passing pedestrians
- a roof garden to complement the existing physic garden and
- a research room whilst retaining the Lucas meeting room on the second floor
Most importantly all parts of the facility will be accessible for the disabled while large groups of schoolchildren will be able to use the modern museum thereby bringing history alive to them. It is estimated that 90% of the current users will be accommodated in the new facility also increasing its use by the disabled, large groups of children and local researchers. These many advantages need to be fully explored hence the decision by NHDC Cabinet to make the funds available to progress this project.
It is intended to have an exhibition of the plans in Hitchin Market Place later this month. Why not come along and look at the proposals, which promise a multi-purpose community facility fit for the 21st century, meeting the needs of the general population, researchers, schoolchildren, most current users, the Museum Service and the disabled and see what you think.. Rather than losing a town hall we are gaining an impressive community facility which should serve the residents of North Hertfordshire for many years to come.
It is important to stress that nothing has yet been decided. This is where the consultation work begins.
 
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