A decision over who will take over ownership of Cheltenham Borough Council's Municipal Offices is expected to be announced in the next few months.
Leader of the council Rowena Hay has told Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter, that the winning bidder for the building — and whether it will be developed as 'housing, a hotel or retail' – will be revealed in 'a month, if not two'.
It is thought that a decision over a preferred buyer was made in the weeks following the closure of the sale period in January 2025, with the council leader stating this month that the sale is 'absolutely' on track.
The council approved plans to sell the 68,290 sq ft premises — at which it has been based for more than 100 years — in July 2023, having agreed that a rise in home working meant the offices were no longer appropriate for council use, with its staff only occupying around half of the Grade II listed building.
The authority said previously that it is committed to safeguarding the heritage of the building, which was originally developed as housing in the early part of the 19th century and converted for council use in 1916.
It says the sale represents an opportunity for development that improves its surroundings, creates space for future use and a lasting legacy for the town.
It was put up for sale on the open market in September 2024, with the council later extending the deadline for applications due to a large amount of interest.
Rowena Hay said previously: 'It’s such an integral building for Cheltenham so placemaking forms an important part of it. I’m chomping at the bit to find out who, what, when.
'That building deserves being brought back into proper life, whatever that might be — whether that’s housing, a hotel or retail.'
