Grade II listed building set to open as a £2m Stafford business hub
As Stafford Council confirms the reopening of its Shire Hall, Boris Johnson discussed the plans during Prime Minister’s Questions this week.
The 18th-century Grade II listed building is set to open as a business hub in the summer after it has been mostly closed for the last five years.
The £2m scheme has regenerated the building into offices space, reception facilities and meeting areas for up to 20 businesses.
The units will range from 97 sq ft to 323 sq ft and there will be flexible working options including hot-desking and the option to rent a PO Box. The centre management will be based in the building and there will also be out-of-hours security patrols.
During PMQs, the MP for Stafford Theodora Clarke said: “Can I thank the Government for providing £1.6 million in funding to create a hub for small businesses in Shire Hall, but can I also ask (the Prime Minister) to help regenerate the rest of Stafford town centre and our high streets to help level up the West Midlands and support our local businesses?”
Boris Johnson said the borough had been awarded more than £14m through the Future High Streets fund and said the work to reopen the hall had been “fantastic”.
Philip White, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills on Staffordshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted that the iconic Shire Hall will reopen in early summer as a business centre and enterprise hub.
“This flexible, modern space will meet demand from Staffordshire’s start-ups and small businesses, and support the regeneration of our county town as we move beyond the pandemic.”
