Office and solar panels plan for city landmarks

The Guildhall would have more than £40m spent on it under the proposals

Plans for the future of the Guildhall, the Corn Exchange and the market square in Cambridge have been unveiled by the city council.

The proposals are part of regeneration plans for the "Civic Quarter".

They include turning the upper levels of the Guildhall into a commercial office space, installing solar panels and heat pumps in the Corn Exchange and creating a covered area over the market square.

The plans will go before the council's strategy and resources scrutiny committee on Thursday, with a recommendation that the designs and budget are approved.

The Guildhall, which houses the council's chamber, is in line for a £41m refurbishment. It would include turning some of the building into commercial offices as well as making the heritage building net zero and accessible.

The ground floor would be opened up with a public cafe. There are also plans for a "cultural offering", which could involve relocating the Museum of Cambridge to the building.

The Corn Exchange and Parsons Court next to it would be revamped

The Corn Exchange would have a £22m refurbishment under the plans. Solar panels and a heat pump would be installed to improve its energy-efficiency.

There would be more lifts installed to make the venue more accessible.

Parsons Court, next to the building, would also be given a revamp.

Proposals for the market square are for half the site to be covered with a canopy with permanent stalls underneath.

The other half would be able to accommodate temporary stalls but could also be used for events.

The market square would have a "lightweight" canopy covering half of it

Simon Smith, executive councillor for finance and resources, said the council was looking to "secure the long-term viability of the Guildhall, the market square and the Corn Exchange".

He added that the investment in the Guildhall would allow the authority to "reduce the council's operating costs and generate commercial income to protect frontline services".