All 68,290 sq ft of one of Cheltenham's most iconic landmarks is officially up for sale, as Cheltenham Borough Council puts its Grade II* listed Municipal Offices on the market.
Occupying a prime central spot on the Promenade, the council has been based in the imposing Regency building for over 100 years.
While details as to where its new offices will be based is yet to be revealed, once the sale goes through, the council intends to retain a town centre presence.
It has also stated that it hopes the buyers of the historic building will preserve and respect its heritage, with suggestions that it will present a 'unique opportunity' for 'multiple uses' for 'commercial, office or residential' redevelopment.
The council has expressed that it is 'committed to safeguarding the building and respecting its heritage, whilst taking the opportunity for a purchaser to make improvements and create space for future opportunities.'
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, described the sale as a ‘magical opportunity’ to put the historic building back on the map.
She said: 'This is an exciting time. Cheltenham is an ambitious place and we can’t wait to see what this opportunity will deliver. The social, economic and environmental benefits that will come with appropriate redevelopment of this much-loved, iconic building will allow our town to evolve and prosper.
'This also presents an exciting new time for the council and whilst we are committed to retaining a town centre presence for our customers and to further improve our services, we know that the time is right for us to step aside and see a new future for the Municipal Offices.'
Originally built as a row of 19 terraced houses between 1823 and 1840, the Municipal Offices are widely considered to be some of the finest examples of Regency buildings in the UK, with period details such as columns, pilasters and wrought-iron balconies.
Daniel Rich, director at Avison Young, the real estate agency appointed to market the property, said: 'This historic building is significant and represents an unrivalled opportunity for prospective purchasers in the heart of Cheltenham.
'We’re anticipating strong interest from potential developers who want to take this heritage property into the future.
'We’re committed to working with the council to find the right occupier who will respect this iconic Regency building, with a conservation-led approach to modernising, and we’re also engaging with stakeholders to ensure viewpoints are heard before a sale is made.'
