THE Brunner Guildhall opened its doors to the public for an open day on Saturday, as part of the ongoing project to renovate the building and bring it back into use.

More than 100 people put their views forward on the Grade II-listed building’s future, with suggestions including a wedding venue, museum, business or voluntary hub.

Winsford Town Council and resident John Malam organised the event. Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs attended.

Town mayor Cllr Mike Kennedy said: “The open day went way beyond our expectations and it was so good to see so many people coming along.

“It shows quite clearly just how much affection there is for this wonderful building and also how much people want it to be used in an effective way in the future.”

The council and its partners will now start to set out the project, with a study of the interest in the building. Work will begin using the fund-matched £7,100 awarded by the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The council will be looking to commission this work over the next month or so, and it is hoped that a strong case can be made for profitable use which will encourage funding organisations to lend their support.

Public meetings will also be held to decide upon the likely management arrangements for the project and building itself.

A Brunner Guildhall Management Committee meeting at Wyvern House tomorrow, Friday, will analyse feedback and compile the uses suggested.

Town clerk Mark Bailey said: “The feedback we have received is nothing short of phenomenal and it is really heartening to see so many great ideas come forward. The hard work really starts now as we try and bring some of these into being.”

A public consultation period lasts until the end of May 2018. See more at winsford.gov.uk/brunner-guildhall

The Brunner Guildhall in Winsford High Street was given to the town by Sir John Tomlinson Brunner MP, to mark Queen Victoria’s 1897 Diamond Jubilee.

Opened in November 1899, its purpose was to provide meeting rooms for Winsford’s societies, clubs, associations and other organisations, which it did for many years. Most recently it has been home to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

A public consultation period lasts until the end of May 2018.

Suggestions for the use of the Guildhall can be made during this time by contacting Winsford Town Council in writing. Letters/emails should be sent to Winsford Town Council, Wyvern House, Winsford CW7 1AH / mail@winsford.gov.uk.