Hurry up and restore our City Hall

Written June 2023

ANOTHER update on our City Hall’s future is promised at tonight’s public meeting of the Salisbury Area Board (Five Rivers, 6pm).

Let’s hope things have progressed in a more positive direction since we heard that the building needed £2.1million spending to make it usable, that no third party had yet been found to run it, and that redevelopment might be a better option.

In its absence, I’ve rediscovered the Arts Centre, which beats it hands down for atmosphere. On Friday I really enjoyed a Beatles tribute night, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Fab Four’s one and only visit to our city. But we desperately need a bigger venue again if Salisbury is to regain its status as a cultural destination for all tastes.

Over the years at the City Hall I’ve watched acts like Paul Merton, Bill Bailey, the late lamented John Martyn, Billy Bragg … I even went to an Abba tribute night, which was great fun, not least because half the audience were dressed as their heroes.

I’ve laughed my socks off at a recording of Just A Minute, hosted by the inimitable Jack Dee. I’ve served teas at a Community Choir concert. I’ve watched my 13-year-old son (yes, it was a long time ago) and his mates from the old Rock School gigging in the foyer. So I do value it as a resource for all our community.

Whatever is done with it has to respect its status as a Second World War memorial, and if Wiltshire Council does decide to redevelop, maybe a new, standalone memorial could be built, following consultation with the Royal British Legion and the wider public?

Anyway, there’s yet another ‘regeneration’ plan for the Maltings coming shortly from its latest owners, according to the area board paperwork, though it doesn’t sound as if much detail will be available tonight.

So goodness knows whether the Cultural Quarter, incorporating a relocated library, is seriously back in the offing.

Sadly I’m going to miss this meeting as I’ll be listening to a talk on an even more pressing issue. The president of the National Farmers’ Union, Minette Batters, is the speaker at our Civic Society’s agm, and her subject is The Future of the Countryside and Food Production.

The future of the City Hall or the future of the nation’s food supply. Which of these knotty problems do you think will be solved first?