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When Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council was searching to site its new customer services centre to deliver on one of its corporate priorities, their remit was to provide a fit for purpose centre offering customers choice in face to face council and community services, whilst ensuring high quality and value for money. The customer access team faced two choices. Extend the current civic offices, or, the more complex but ultimately desirable option of restoring the historic Guildhall in the centre of town – a true focal point for residents.
The Guildhall had served the town well over hundreds of years, including as a courthouse and gallows, however, following various incarnations, most recently as a public house, this much-loved Grade II listed building was in a state of severe disrepair. The council, under the guidance of head of customer services, Jeanette Hilton, decided it was time to return the Guildhall to the people of Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
To kick start the lengthy process of consultation on such a historic site, the council worked for months with Paragon, on a design for English Heritage’s inspection.