As these designs have evolved, a clear theme has emerged: to rediscover the character and beauty that has been hidden over time.

Both buildings have undergone countless alterations over many decades. False walls, suspended ceilings, partitions, service installations and other adaptations may have served practical purposes at the time, but they have also concealed many of the architectural features, proportions and spaces that originally made these buildings so special. Our revised designs seek to strip away many of those additions and uncover the beauty, craftsmanship and character that has gradually been hidden from view.

At HMAG, the emerging plans focus on creating a museum that feels welcoming, open and connected to the city. We are exploring the creation of a street-level café at the front of the building, providing a vibrant social space where residents and visitors can meet, relax and enjoy the building throughout the day. Beyond this, gallery spaces are being reimagined to take greater advantage of natural light and restored historic features, creating a more immersive experience for visitors and a fitting setting for the county's nationally important collections. The aim is to create a museum that feels less enclosed and more inviting, with beautifully curated objects displayed within spaces that celebrate the architecture as much as the collections themselves.

At Shire Hall, our ambition is equally exciting. Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the 19th century architect best known for the British Museum, Shire Hall is one of Hereford's most important heritage buildings. The revised plans focus on restoring the grandeur and drama of the building's original spaces while delivering a sustainable new purpose for future generations.

We continue to develop proposals for a new library and learning centre within Court Room Two and surrounding areas. The vision is for a bright, welcoming library, with places to browse, read and spend time, making imaginative use of the court room's inherent architectural features. The height and scale of the courtroom create opportunities to introduce a carefully designed mezzanine level that make full use of the space, creating a modern, accessible and attractive library while remaining faithful to the historic setting.

At the same time, the wider works would address decades of decline across Shire Hall, making good and stabilising the building so that other important spaces, including the Assembly Hall and historic Court Room One, can be brought back into use in later phases, subject to appropriate funding, planning and approvals.

For clarity, both the Shire Hall and HMAG proposals remain subject to detailed design, any required planning and listed-building consents, confirmation of funding and the council’s appropriate governance and approval processes. 

Alongside the design work, we have spent recent weeks engaging with councillors, funders and staff to share the ambitions behind the revised proposals and gather feedback. These conversations have been valuable in helping us refine our approach and build support for the next phase of both projects. We look forward to sharing these designs when further refined with other external organisations, partners and community groups.

Many people will have seen the recent recommendation from the Stronger Hereford Board that funding previously allocated towards the library element of the Shire Hall project should be withdrawn. We have acknowledged the Board's recommendation and the views expressed. However, as we have previously stated, Herefordshire Council remains the accountable body for the programme and decisions regarding the future of the projects will be made through the council's established governance arrangements and ongoing discussions with funding partners.

We are now reviewing the detailed designs and cost plans against available budgets and funding timelines as we work towards the next stage for both projects. We are due to meet government officials in early November to discuss the revised proposals, funding arrangements and the steps required to move them forward.

Cllr Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said:

“Shire Hall and HMAG are two of Hereford’s most important public buildings, and these revised proposals are about respecting what makes them special while giving them a sustainable purpose for the future. There is still work to do, but the proposals are beginning to show what these buildings could become. By bringing their original character back to the fore, we can give them a new lease of life as places for culture, learning and public use.

“The council remains committed to working with our partners to develop deliverable plans and to securing the funding and approvals needed to move them forward. We will keep residents and stakeholders updated as the work develops, and we are determined to ensure these remarkable buildings can continue to serve Herefordshire for generations to come.”