Town Hall set for mass investment to save town centre

Welshpool residents who responded to a Town Council survey on what their future priorities should be have largely backed a £4.2 million project to modernise the Town Hall to ensure it remains at the heart of the community for generations to come.

The project is needed to bring the ageing building into the 21^st century, and it forms a central part of the town council’s bid to rejuvenate the town centre.

The local authority has released its draft Interim Strategic Plan (2025-2028), a thorough and ambitious document that has prioritised where their time, and tax payers’ money, should be invested over the next four years.

The draft plan has been shaped by one of the largest consultation exercises the council has ever undertaken. During August 2025, residents, businesses and community groups were invited to share their views on the council’s priorities.

The consultation received 222 responses which included over 1,000 individual comments covering everything from the future of the Town Hall and markets to open spaces, events, community services, and how the Council itself can improve.

The draft plan sets out five key themes for the next three years:

• Town Centre & Regeneration – including the redevelopment of the Town Hall and revitalisation of the markets.
• Open Spaces – maintaining and investing in parks, play areas and the historic Motte & Bailey.
• Community Services – securing the future of public toilets, the Ann Holloway Day Centre, Meals on Wheels, and promoting allotments.
• Events & Tourism – expanding the events programme and strengthening Welshpool’s role as a visitor destination.
• Improving the Council – enhancing communication, transparency, community engagement, and financial sustainability. 

In one of its strategic aims, it says that “by investing in our historic Town Hall, revitalising the markets, and planning for the long term through a Place Plan, we can create a vibrant, attractive and welcoming centre that reflects our heritage while meeting modern needs”.

A Town Hall project figure of £4.2 million is mentioned in the plans, and MyWelshpool understands that the council intends that the vast majority will be covered through grants.

The draft plan will now be discussed by all council committees during September, before being considered for adoption at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday, September 24.

Mayor of Welshpool, Cllr Phil Owen said: “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute their views during this consultation.

“Our Strategic Plan plan is built around the voices of the community, and it gives us a shared roadmap for how we can protect and improve Welshpool over the next three years.

“I would encourage residents to read the draft plan and continue to stay involved as we take it forward.”

The Engagement Report and Draft Interim Corporate & Strategic Plan are available at www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/strategic-plan.