Cheltenham Town Hall

Cheltenham Town Hall is an Edwardian assembly hall in the centre of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. It stands in Imperial Square and works as a public venue for concerts, talks, conferences and festivals. It is a Grade II listed building.

What is Cheltenham Town Hall?

Despite its name, this is not where the local council sits. Most town halls double as the seat of local government, but Cheltenham's borough council is housed in the nearby Municipal Offices. The Town Hall exists as a place for the public: a large hall where the town gathers for performances, events and celebrations.

When was it built and who designed it?

The building dates from the early twentieth century. Construction took place at the start of the 1900s and was completed in 1903. The architect was F. W. Waller of Gloucester. The official listing describes the style as Eclectic Classical, while some local guides describe it as Edwardian Baroque, a sign of how richly decorated the facade is. The project cost roughly 45,000 pounds. According to one local walking tour, the hall was opened in 1903 by Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Why was it built?

Cheltenham had earlier relied on the Assembly Rooms on the High Street, a gathering place from the town's spa and Regency heyday. Those rooms were demolished around 1900, and a bank now stands on the site. The town needed a new and larger venue, and it was built on a former bowling green at Imperial Square. The Town Hall took over the role of the town's main cultural and social venue.

Heritage status

The building has been on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II since 5 May 1972. Grade II is the most common listing category and covers buildings of special interest, which is why the exterior is protected from unsympathetic alteration.

What can you do here today?

The hall is still used for the purposes it was built for. Events include concerts, lectures, conferences and festivals, and the venue can also be hired for private functions. If you are visiting Cheltenham for one of its well-known festivals, there is a good chance part of the programme takes place here, so check the current listings before you go.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The Town Hall is in the centre of Cheltenham, at the edge of Imperial Square, close to the Municipal Offices and the town's gardens. The coordinates are roughly 51.897 N, 2.078 W. Central Cheltenham is compact and easy to explore on foot, so the hall fits naturally into a walk through the Regency-era centre.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheltenham Town Hall the council headquarters? No. The borough council works from the nearby Municipal Offices. The Town Hall is a public venue.

When did it open? In 1903.

Is the building protected? Yes, it is a Grade II listed building.

Can I attend events there? Yes. It hosts public concerts, lectures, conferences and festivals. Check the venue's programme for dates and tickets.

Who was the architect? F. W. Waller of Gloucester.