Blandford Forum: Extensive works to town hall given green-light

Parts of the town hall date back to the 1730s

Extensive works to a town hall and corn exchange dating back to the Georgian period have been given the go ahead.

The alterations to the Grade 1 listed building in Blandford Forum are designed to make the town's Market Place more accessible.

The proposals include changes to the stage, the addition of a new staircase, lift, ramp and sliding doors.

The planning consent from Dorset Council follows a 40-year campaign for improvements.

A Blandford Town Council statement said: "The proposed changes to the town hall and corn exchange will significantly improve usability and provide access for all to the building."

It added that the works hoped to "re-instate the former grandeur and architecturally quality to this nationally significant Grade 1 listed building".

The works will also involve the installation of solar panels on the building's roof, as well as the reinstatement of some of the original features in the corn exchange, with a new gantry access and the installation of acoustic panels.

The council said it would apply for a loan from the government-backed Public Works Loan Board to finance the project.

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