HEREFORD City Council says it needs to work out a way to fund £6 million of repairs to Hereford Town Hall if it wants to save the historical building.

The growing cost of bringing the building in St Owen Street up to standard includes £1.2 million in immediate work, with an extra £4.8 million needed over coming years. The costs had become clear during previous discussions to sell the building.

Herefordshire Council is keen to move the town hall on from its ownership to Hereford City Council, but it first needs to work out a way to fund the essential repairs.

Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said the future of the building lies in the hands of those who love it, saying central government funding cuts led to its neglect over the years.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the town hall is an asset of community value and I look forward to seeing how a plan for the building can develop and how Herefordshire Council can help facilitate a viable vision.”

But Hereford City Council said it was looking at forming a charitable trust, or finding an existing one, so securing external funding for the repairs would be possible.

“We are prepared to work with Herefordshire Council, and anyone else who is willing to help with the project, to try to secure a future for the building,” a spokesperson said.