Plans to transform Midsomer Norton’s historic Town Hall were put before Town Councillors on Monday evening this week. First unveiled in 2014, the project will be completed in phases as funding allows, kick-started by the Town Council, Heritage Action Zone Funding and Bath and North East Somerset Council. The Grade II building’s makeover is part of a wider plan to reintroduce markets, for which Midsomer Norton was traditionally known, and to give The Island a makeover which will also allow for outdoor events.

The plans were presented by architect, Sean Redmond, from PH3

Design, to open up the ground floor and restore the building’s original features with exposed brickwork and beams, more glass for openness and to restore and reglaze the traditional windows.

Much thought has gone in to make sure that the building will also be more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint in future, with underfloor heating using air sourced heat pumps and fan convector heaters which will work behind oak panelling for high quality insulation.

There will also be a new entrance, reception area, offices and staircase to the first floor with a disabled unisex toilet still in place downstairs. Councillors questioned if more toilets could be included on the ground floor, but new toilets will be installed on the first floor as the works progress with lift access – the architect emphasising the importance of opening up the new space.

There are hopes for an eventual extension to make the building wider (into the previous space where the public toilet once stood), to provide another office and kitchen. If all goes to plan, work could begin later this year.

Of course, all of this comes at a cost - currently grants are being applied for and money has already been received. Additional funding is being looked at, including a loan from the Public Works Loan Board for £1.5 million, which would need the Secretary of State’s approval. It would be paid over fifty years with two payments per year of £24,452 with the first two payments already budgeted for in 2022-2023. Should any of the funding applications be unsuccessful, then the loan would be able to cover any shortfall.

Cllr Paul Myers (Independent, B&NES Midsomer Norton Redfield), previous Mayor of Midsomer Norton, who has been working alongside the Town Clerk and local Councillors to bring the plans to fruition since first proposed in 2014 said the scheme gaining traction would breathe life back in to the town.

He told The Journal: “It’s fantastic to see the Town Hall transformation project taking such a positive step forward to ensure that this iconic building can better meet the needs of the vast number of community groups and residents who use it. Thanks must go to all those who have worked so incredibly hard on this project.”

The Town Hall was built in 1859 and has been at the heart of the local community ever since. But years of numerous tenants and modifications have meant that it has become something of a maze, and it is hoped that by transforming this space, it will become a catalyst for regenerating the market town’s heritage and economy.