Plans for Abergavenny’s community hub took a huge stride forward after architects tasked with the development revealed their plans. ??The Grade-II listed building on Cross Street will undergo a root and branch revamp, creating a new library, one-stop shop, and community learning space inside the 1871 landmark which currently hosts the local market, theatre and town council.

GWP Architecture, recruited last summer, has now submitted its initial plans to Monmouthshire County Council.

The detailed drawings outline both major refurbishments and new constructions, with heavy emphasis focused on a total remodelling of the first floor comprising a new library and Mayor’s Parlour.

Refurbishments for the theatre foyer, a new library extension and stairlifts are also included. ??

One ambitious inclusion outlines a viewing platform on the rooftop of the indoor market, which will involve demolishing the existing plant deck to create a mezzanine overlooking the market floor. ??Given the building’s listed status, architects have insisted that the major work will take the existing structure into full consideration and promise to ‘work with the existing building’.??

The library extension follows the same ethos, with planners ensuring their blueprints are ‘sympathetic to the existing building’ whilst also creating a ‘dynamic visual impact’ for the new hub.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said, “Consultation will commence shortly on applications for planning and listed building consent to remodel and extend the building, including provision of a new public lift to provide wheelchair access to a first floor library hub and to the theatre.”??

Abergavenny Mayor David Simcock welcome the move, saying the development was long overdue, and would place Abergavenny’s services in line with neighbouring towns.

?“The re-development by Monmouthshire County Council of the town hall into a new community hub is a very welcome move indeed. It’s about time – Abergavenny will be the last town in Monmouthshire to have such a hub, and it’s sorely needed,” he said.

“The One-Stop Shop will remain where it is and a new Borough Theatre box office and reception area with a new lift will be installed on the ground floor.

“An extension of the first floor is to be erected at the rear of the building with large windows overlooking the Market. This will create a multi-use area for the library which will be moving from Baker Street and the town council, whose meeting rooms and  town clerk’s office will also be on the first floor.

“The multi-use facility will create space for larger meetings and civic receptions to take place there.

“All in all, this is excellent news, and will give the rather faded glory of the Town Hall a much-needed facelift. ??

??The development has wide support across both town and county councils, with current budget constraints an ever-present reality as councils try to deliver under harsh financial weather. ??

One councillor expressed some scepticism, but, agreed the development was the best option given the ‘current financial climate’.

Councillor Nick Tatam, of Abergavenny’s Grofield Ward, said the new hub would make the most of an iconic piece of Abergavenny’s town landscape. ??“In a perfect world, there may have been other options, but, given the current climate, this one is probably the best possibility.

“We have to keep the town hall alive and looking the part. The ingenuity of the mezzanine floor could have quite an impact. It could be very exciting. ?

?“I have consistently argued that as much of the space as possible should be used for the library and other services. It would be a waste to see large parts of the building cordoned off for sole council use.”??

The project is part of a wider initiative by the local authority delivering new integrated community hubs in nearby Monmouth, Usk, Caldicot, and Chepstow, bringing together facilities currently spread across Abergavenny, into a prominent central location.

Councillors have previously said that the project ‘presents significant challenges’ due to its location, and because the building is used by a number of competing, and occasionally conflicting, parties.

Wilson and Willcox of Bath designed the town hall in 1871. Featuring an iconic clock tower which dominated the local skyline. The Early French Gothic-style building – which features a market hall, theatre and council offices – was listed in 1971.

A new mezzanine at first floor level and a large open-plan shared space will accommodate the new hub.?