MP criticises council sale of Guildhall extension

The modern part of Northampton's Guildhall (on the right) is used as office space

An MP has joined criticism of the council for "selling a town's heritage to the highest bidder" as the modern extension of Northampton's historic Guildhall went on the market.

The 1992-built office space is being sold by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) - led by Reform UK - while the original Victorian building is retained by the authority.

Leader Mark Arnull said it wanted to "better utilise council buildings while also reducing ongoing costs to the public purse".

Mike Reader, who represents Northampton South for Labour, said: "Reform UK need to rethink this plan and do what's right for Northampton – protect our town and it's culture."

Community leaders have spoken out against the sale since the plan was first announced last year by the then Conservative administration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The authority said at the time that not maintaining the extension would save £350,000 per year.

Father Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints' Church, near the Guildhall, said it was "regrettable this arresting piece of modern architecture is going to fall out of public use".

The gothic Guildhall building will remain in the council hands

Northampton Town Council is seeking legal advice after it was asked to move out of the original Guildhall as part of the "office optimisation plan".

Speaking of the sale, town councillor Les Marriott said the extension was "architecturally impressive", provided a quiet space in the town centre and had hosted many community events.

"We are concerned that any sale and subsequent change of use will result in the building and courtyard being lost to the general public indefinitely," he said.

The town council welcomed further discussions with WNC to ensure "this much loved civic building continues to serve the public good for future generations", he added.

Arnull said the council was looking for proposals which made good use of the building.

The sale listing suggests a range of options for the building, including a boutique hotel, events venue, restaurant, residential, or continued office use.