THE “final piece of the jigsaw” has been put in place for a multi-million pound redevelopment which will see a town hall converted into a community facility and district museum.

The Comet: What it is envisaged the hall and museum will look likeWhat it is envisaged the hall and museum will look like (Image: Archant)

Hitchin Town Hall Ltd (HTH) held its first AGM last night (Tuesday), after North Herts district councillors agreed a raft of recommendations last week which pave the way for the project to proceed.

A development agreement between the authority and HTH is due to be signed this week, and a fundraising campaign will be started in due course.

HTH Ltd director and trustee David Leal-Bennett said: “HTH are pleased that there has been so much support from our councillors and for them agreeing to these slight changes. We were able to respond quickly to an extension request which our bankers ACF have now granted to September 5.

“This has been a long, and at times very difficult, journey and we now look forward to working with North Herts District Council (NHDC) in the spirit of a true partnership to deliver this amazing project.

“HTH have an amazing team working extremely hard for the community and we will be contributing over £1m; our fundraising campaign is to commence shortly as will our membership drive.”

Letchworth GC and Hitchin museums will be relocated to the hall, having already shut last year.

There will also be community facilities available to hire to local groups and for celebrations.

The redevelopment will be larger than originally anticipated, with councillors agreeing in April to include the adjacent 15 Brand Street in plans.

Cllr Tony Hunter, NHDC’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: “Over the past few months we have been working behind the scenes to include 15 Brand Street in the development. Council’s decision is the final piece of that jigsaw.

“We are delighted that the project has reached this significant milestone, ensuring a new development agreement can be signed this week, just weeks before spades will hit the ground and the work to transform Hitchin Town Hall into a first class museum and community facility will begin in earnest.”