Proposals put forward for future of Battle’s historic Almonry building

A series of proposals for the future of one of Battle’s oldest buildings have been put forward.
Almonry Gardens, Battle.Almonry Gardens, Battle.
Almonry Gardens, Battle.

Battle Town Council said the Almonry is in desperate need of repair and is currently undertaking a project to renovate it.

It said the building needs to be brought up to current health and safety standards, made accessible to all residents and visitors and upgraded to comply with the Equalities Act 2010.

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At a recent meeting, the council said it believed the project will bring improved facilities and preservation of the town’s heritage.

In 2018 it approved a significant increase in its council tax precept to allow for an application to the Public Works Loan Board for a £600,000 loan to provide for refurbishment of the building.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual parish assembly on April 25 has been cancelled so the council is holding a public consultation on the options for the long-term future of the Almonry via its annual report, which will be circulated to Battle residents early this month.

The options include a civic centre with sufficient council office space to enable expansion, with an information centre for town and district council services, a tourist and heritage information area and flexible meeting spaces for council and community use.

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The council said repair and refurbishment of the Almonry and rebuilding of the south wing would cost in the region of £895,770.

A similar option includes a refurbished Almonry providing office space for current staffing, a council meeting room, a hub for town and district council information and a tourist information point. Repairs and refurbishment of the Almonry would cost in the region of £739,523.

The third option is the relocation of the council offices, with the Almonry being available to rent as offices. The council would be responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance. The final option is the sale of the Almonry, which could raise in the region of £445,000, less professional fees and relocation costs.

To comment, residents should complete and return pages 14-16 of the annual report to: The Almonry, High Street, Battle, TN33 0EA by May 25.

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