Victoria Hall is to be repaired and renovated for use by the community following a key vote by B&NES Liberal Democrat Cabinet.
A report exploring “opportunities and options to take forward for the future use of the building” was unanimously approved. Further work will now be carried out to assess the feasibility of adapting the building to offer ‘a mixed community, meeting and exhibition space’ with snooker facilities and possible relocation of the library into the building.
The works, which will cost up to £250,000, will include installation of a lift to ensure disabled people can access to the first floor, safe removal of asbestos and rewiring to eliminate fire risks.
Radstock’s Lib Dem Councillor, Simon Allen, commented: “I’d like to thank the hundreds of Radstock residents who replied to our consultation on the future of the Victoria Hall. I’m really glad that we have been getting so many positive responses. We have listened carefully to what people want and the ideas which are now being taken forward are the ones people told us they want.
“Local people really want to see the Hall’s future secured and they want to see it put to a good use. However 60% of respondents to the survey said they hadn’t used the Hall in the last five years. I think that’s a shame and it goes to show that there needs to be more reasons for people to use the Hall regularly.
“The final decision on the future uses of the Victoria Hall will be made in September. My Cabinet colleagues and I are going to make sure that whatever goes inside the Hall will be supported and used by local residents and will secure the future of the Hall as a safe and accessible community facility.
“The Victoria Hall is a symbol of Radstock’s history and now it will become a symbol of Radstock’s future.”
