City council to invest £5m to repair and preserve Guildhall Winchester
Next year, a significant programme of improvement works will begin at the Guildhall Winchester, thanks to a £5m investment from the Winchester City Council.
Following the city council’s funding approvals earlier this year, Guildhall Winchester has now announced the necessary 14-month closure from spring 2027 to deliver the restoration works required for this much-loved listed building.
The Guildhall Winchester has a long history, with the original building’s construction being completed in 1873. The significant programme of works acknowledges its historic value and includes roof, stonework and window repairs, internal and external redecoration, and new flooring, whilst £250,000 has been allocated to deliver restoration repairs to the Guildhall Clocktower.
The city council’s Cabinet has now also approved the decision to find a new operator to manage the Guildhall Winchester from April 2028, which will maximise the cultural, commercial and civic potential of the site, ensuring it remains an important and busy cultural offer for future generations.
Cllr Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “For over a hundred years, the Guildhall has been an iconic part of Winchester's cultural and civic life. We know how important the Guildhall is for people locally. It is for us too. That's why we're refurbishing it and why Cabinet has approved the search for a partner to run it. Currently, it costs the council a lot to maintain and manage - and that won't be sustainable after Local Government Reorganisation. By finding a new partner with expertise in venue management, culture and events it would give the Guildhall a strong position into the future. And, of course, protecting civic and ceremonial events will be vital part of that.”
The extent of the programme of improvements requires a full closure of the building to the public, to ensure works are completed as soon, and as safely, as possible.
The building is expected to be closed for public events from March 2027-May 2028. However, Winchester School of Art’s West Wing campus and Shoal remain open throughout this period and are not affected by these works. The Visitor Information Centre will also remain open, but the extent of works may require some short-term closures to ensure the safety of its staff and visitors.
Public council meetings currently held in the Walton Suite at the Guildhall Winchester, will now be held at the City Offices on Colebrook Street from January 2027.