Don’t privatise Colchester town hall, former mayors plead
10:00am Friday 2nd December 2011 in News
TWENTY of the town’s most respected former councillors have banded together to oppose moves to privatise Colchester Town Hall.
Colchester Council plans to hire a private company to run the landmark to recoup money.
The 20 aldermen – former mayors and long-serving councillors – have written to all 60 councillors urging them to ensure the building remains in the hands of the people.
Senior alderman Richard Wheeler, 79, of West Mersea, said all 20 supported the letter opposing any sell-off.
The open letter says: “The building is the jewel in Colchester’s crown and it is for all the people of the borough.
“The aldermen are very proud of our historic and ancient borough, and the town hall, beyond all other buildings, symbolises our pride. It should be a beacon for local democracy in the borough.”
The elders say they recognise it makes sense for the council to try to recoup costs and they support the idea of hiring a marketing manager to promote the landmark’s use to residents. It could include using it as a tourist office, building on its success as a wedding and events venue, or marketing it as an education tool.
The letter continues: “It is the people’s building and we must use it and ensure it remains the heart of our town.”
Developers will be asked if they would be interested in leasing the court rooms, due to close next year, and others for a venue like a restaurant.
Bill Frame, chairman of a group the council set up to look into the building’s future, “broadly welcomed’’ the letter.
He said: “It reinforces points the group was making. We need to utilise resources and bring into the equation marketing people who can advise how we can utilise the space.”