The Town Hall
Update 1 July 2006
Following the news that the Council is
once again considering leasing the building to a
commercial tenant, the Society's Chairman, John
Steele, spoke at the Council's Cabinet on 29 June.
The meeting ended with a compromise
resolution: the Council agreed in principle to examine
further the granting of a commercial lease whilst at
the same time considering the folk and community
arts centre proposal
The matter will go to the full council
meeting for final decision, possibly in September. The
Horsham Society will continue to lobby members.
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Here are the main points of John
Steele's speech:
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The Town Hall has long played an
important part in the life of the town, and many
people consider it to be the Town’s equivalent to a
village hall.
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In recent years its use has
diminished, possibly due in some part to
unimaginative management and marketing.
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The Horsham Society strongly believes
that it should regain its place as a focal point for
the community with public access. The Society
completely opposes a commercial lease.
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The Society is concerned about the
future of the Registrar’s office, and in particular
the Marriage Room: a splendid setting, held in great
affection by countless Horsham residents.
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The Council should resolve once and
for all that the Town Hall will remain a community
facility and get on with the job of deciding how
best that can be delivered.
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