PLANS to put a diverse community events hub "at the heart of Ruthin" were revealed at an exhibition at the fifteenth century Old Courthouse on Monday.

The open day was staged by Ruthin Town Council who have purchased the historic building on St Peter's Square and has submitted a planning application to Denbighshire County Council with the plans for its refurbishment.

The event on February 4 included an exhibition of the plans and was attended by town and county councillors who heard the views of residents.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Gavin Harris (centre-left) with members of Ruthin Town Council

Gavin Harris, deputy mayor of Ruthin, who has led the purchase of the Old Courthouse and the plans, said: “Ruthin Town Council have been successful in purchasing the building from RBS and we’re now in the process of having the planning application sent to convert the building into a civic, community and visitor hub.

“The exhibition and open day is to try to explain our proposals of what we’re trying to do with the building."

The town council’s ideas for the use of the four bay timber framed building include a space for meetings by the town council and by community groups such as Ruthin Tidy Town, as well as functions, small music concerts and film screenings, the showcasing of products made by Ruthin producers, and an arrival and information point for tourists and coaches.

This will involve modern interior design, with freestanding exhibition screens, historical exhibition displays, lighting and signage, however the building will only be changed where necessary to preserve its character.

Mr Harris said that he hopes the transformation will provide opportunities for all the Ruthin community and could have a improve football in the town. He said: “It is critical for the vibrancy of the town centre in the future that we have greater activities and experiences for people and to help sustain the shops, restaurants and businesses.

“We have come up with proposals that try to maximise the opportunities with this building, having multi-purpose uses, events which happen in the daytime and in the evening, to increase footfall in St Peter’s Square, save the building and make use of it in a way which appeals to as broad a population as possible and ensure Ruthin has a future with this building at the heart of it.”