A MULTI-MILLION pound project which will transform a hall into a district museum and community facility could be even bigger than expected.

Following years of work, Hitchin Town Hall will be renovated into a new museum for North Herts, as well as a facility for hire and public use.

And the Comet learned this week that, following negotiations, two adjacent properties – 14 and 15 Brand Street – have been acquired for demolition.

It means the facility will be bigger, the entrance can be grander, and more space for community use will be opened out.

Planning applications were last week submitted to North Herts District Council (NHDC) by Hitchin Town Hall Ltd (HTH).

It says: “The opportunity to include 15 Brand Street in the scheme will significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building with a new entrance piazza and improved foyer whilst also increasing floorspace and therefore capacity.

“The enhancement brings significant additional community benefit with the chance to improve the design to optimize the community usage and facilities.”

Chairman of HTH, Brent Smith, added: “The inclusion of number 15 in the scheme has always been an aspiration for the board and we are thrilled this vision is finally moving towards a reality with the planning application now complete.

“Our partners at NHDC remain committed to the exploration of an expanded scheme and the board is confident it is viable and achievable.”

Community director at HTH, Rosemary Read, said: “I strongly believe this planning application provides a landmark building of which future generations can be proud.

“We have a great deal of work to do to deliver the enhanced scheme but our funders are looking at it with an open mind; I trust that there will be the political will within NHDC to do the same.”

A meeting will be held next Wednesday to discuss the latest developments.

It will be held at 7.15pm in North Herts District Council’s Letchworth GC offices, where people will also have the chance to put forward their ideas.