The Shire Hall, built in 1724 to the design of Philip Fisher of Bristol, is a seminal, secular building in Monmouth, Wales. No longer a court for the Assizes, the building was underused and required upgrading despite its use by the Town Council and Tourist Information Office.

Our initial feasibility study was used alongside an exhibition for the consultation process to identify a preferred option for the future of the building as a whole. We worked closely with Monmouthshire County Council and local community representatives to secure a substantial successful Heritage Lottery Fund Stage I bid.

Our proposals advocated the restoration of the historic courtroom and the introduction of new interpretation facilities. We restored the historic courtroom, grand central staircase and the Henry V and Sir Henry Rolls statues that grace its forecourt.

We also advised the enhancement of community spaces to provide meeting and function rooms, accessible via a new lift. A new glass entrance lobby provides increased security, better environmental controls and a new public face for the refurbished Hall.

Location: Monmouth, Wales
Client: Monmouthshire County Council
Construction Value: £4.5m
Listing: Grade I