PLAN for one Ruthin's most historic buildings are available for viewing.

Proposals put forward will see facilities at Ruthin Town Hall on Market Street undergo a full renovation and modernisation so that the building can once again be used by the local community.

The plans for the building, developed by local firm Unit 3 design, will be on display in the Old Courthouse in Ruthin town centre for the coming weeks.

Ruthin Town Hall is one of the town’s most historic and treasured buildings. It was built in 1863-5 as a replacement for the former town hall which was located on the square (near where the Town Clock is now).

For many decades it was the home of Ruthin Town Council, before passing into the ownership of Denbighshire County Council in 1974.

The current plans are being taken forward by the local community interest company ‘Ruthin Artisan Markets’ which has been operating the Market Hall since 2022.

Bernadette O’Malley, operator of Ruthin Artisan Markets, said: "We really want local people to have their say about these plans. A small committee of local people has been formed to advise on the renovation plans, including what facilities are needed and how we can engage and get the views of the local community’ states the

"This is not about changing the building – all the building’s features will be fully respected and retained. All the building needs is a bit of work and attention to bring it up to modern standards."

Plans include creating a new access at the back of the Market Hall for ease in terms of deliveries and collections, as well as for the traders in the Market Hall (including disability access), creating a good car park area at the rear of the building and looking at disability access at the front of the building as well. The interior of the building requires renovation including improving access, sound and lighting facilities, asbestos removal and the introduction of a new ‘changing places’ disabled toilet and associated facilities.

While the Market Hall section of the building has been in regular use over the past few decades, the town hall section of the building has been out of use for community activities since the late 2000s, and the room on the ground floor now also empty since the Registry Office moved into County Hall across the road in 2022.

With the closure of the community centre in Awelon and the redevelopment of the site, the town centre in Ruthin does not have a secular hall size community space, which is the primary purpose of this project.

During the pandemic, some renovation work was undertaken to the Market Hall under the direction of Denbighshire Voluntary Services who operated the hall for a period of time.

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Ruthin Artisan Markets are in contact with the Conservation Officer at Denbighshire County Council in regard to the proposed works, with asbestos removal the first task to be completed in April 2024.

Further works are planned for Autumn 2024, then intermittently for the next two years.

People with views to share or wish to make enquiries about use of the building, can email ruthin@artisanmarkets.wales

The markets will take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays again from April 4. The markets will take place in the Town Hall while the Market Hall undergoes some renovation work.