The Municipal Offices stand on the Promenade, in front of the Long Garden, and are the headquarters of Cheltenham Borough Council. The building is one of Cheltenhams finest examples of a 19th century terrace. The impressive building was designed by George Underwood and was built as private houses between 1823 and 1835, originally called Harward's Building after one of the towns developers. In 1915 the five central houses became the Municipal Offices and by 1958 13 of the 19 houses were occupied by the Council. For some years now the Council has talked about moving to a new purpose built building, that will also house the Courts and other local services, and sell the Municipal Offices to fund this, allowing restaurants, shops, bars and an hotel to move into the building. Only last month this plan was once again reported in the local newspaper. It seems to me more and more likely that this will happen, it's such a shame that the the best Council House in town will be no more.
Friday 18 April 2008
Council House
The Municipal Offices stand on the Promenade, in front of the Long Garden, and are the headquarters of Cheltenham Borough Council. The building is one of Cheltenhams finest examples of a 19th century terrace. The impressive building was designed by George Underwood and was built as private houses between 1823 and 1835, originally called Harward's Building after one of the towns developers. In 1915 the five central houses became the Municipal Offices and by 1958 13 of the 19 houses were occupied by the Council. For some years now the Council has talked about moving to a new purpose built building, that will also house the Courts and other local services, and sell the Municipal Offices to fund this, allowing restaurants, shops, bars and an hotel to move into the building. Only last month this plan was once again reported in the local newspaper. It seems to me more and more likely that this will happen, it's such a shame that the the best Council House in town will be no more.
Labels:
council,
government,
house,
long garden,
municipal offices,
terrace,
the prom
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8 comments:
This is a very beautiful and formal-looking building.
I love the building, its very impressive.
Purpose built? You mean waste of money, right? Where they are now seems a perfectly appropriate location. Oh yes, a new dedicated all inclusive structure might be slightly more convenient, but what of history? Oh, but don't mention class. These houses are gorgeous and so appropriate. Why can't people be satisfied and happy with what is?
What a beautiful building. It seems very British to me. The gardens are beautiful too. Everything is so green!
This type of terrace and formal garden is *exactly* how I picture Cheltenham!
A building like this, originally built as houses, reminds me of the Crescent in Bath. I tend to think along the same lines as Chuck. Why move on? Unless the building no longer serves, of course. Especially in an endangered environment, recycling what we already have (even buildings) makes so much more sense. And this building is so beautiful.
very impressive building indeed!
Very nice building...I love the yellow flowers.
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