Venue: The Town Hall, Cheltenham

Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA

Cheltenham Town Hall is an early-20th century assembly rooms in Cheltenham, England. Unlike most town halls, it is a public venue and not the seat of the borough council, which is housed in the nearby Municipal Offices.

Some History

In the 19th century the old Assembly Rooms in the High Street had been the main public venue for concerts in Cheltenham. The old Assembly Rooms had been demolished to make way for a bank at the turn of the century.

The foundation stone for the building was laid by Alderman Colonel Richard Rogers on 1 October 1902. The building was designed by the Gloucester architect Frederick William Waller in the Classical style and built by the Cheltenham firm of Collins and Godfrey. The total cost of the building, including internal decoration, fixtures and fittings, was around £45,000. It was formally opened by Sir Michael Hicks Beach MP, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer whose family had long-standing connections with Cheltenham, on 5 December 1903.

The design for the main frontage involved a large projecting arcaded Porte-cochère (i.e. gateway for horse-drawn coaches) at ground floor level. It also involved a three-bay frontage with Corinthian order columns between each of the three windows at first floor level with a large pediment above containing an oculus. Inside the building, the main hall, with Corinthian columns and coved ceiling, measures 92 by 52 feet (28 m × 16 m) and is 53 feet (16 m) high, with a capacity of 1,000 people. The Pillar Room serves as a secondary performance area, with a capacity of 300 people; to the left of the entrance hall, the Central Spa dispenses the waters from all the pump rooms of Cheltenham Spa. The octagonal table and urns, which are of Doulton ware, are still in use.

In 1916, two plaster-cast statues of King Edward VII and King George V in coronation robes, made by Messrs R. L. Boulton & Sons of Cheltenham, were placed in alcoves on either side of the main stage. One was a gift from Mr. T. E. Whittaker and the other a gift from Messrs. Boulton themselves. The town hall organ was also a gift, from Mr and Mrs Edward J. Burrow; it was made by Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool and was installed in 1928.

Getting to Town Hall

Covid Policy:

If you are unable to attend because you have tested positively for Covid-19.

Refunds: a partial refund will be made for those booked but unable to attend due to COVID. the Refund will acknowledge the the cost of catering not used at £34 plus VAT per day.

Accommodation

Hotel deals change regularly and delegates may find their preference of rates and terms either by booking direct or by using third party agencies such as www.booking.com

Cheltenham has a vast range of accommodation available – both chain hotels and independent establishments - and you can find many options here:

Accommodation ideas here

Conference Hub Hotel

For delegates’ convenience, we have arranged negotiated rates at The Queens Hotel, a very short walk from the Conference venue, The Town Hall. The Conference speakers will be housed here.

The Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Cheltenham.  GL50 1NN

The Queens Hotel Cheltenham has a grand exterior and a prime position on one of Cheltenham’s most beautiful Regency streets, overlooking the Imperial Square and Gardens which includes the impressive Cheltenham Town Hall (which is our UKCS 2024 Conference venue).

Listed as a Grade II English Heritage building since 1955, Queens Hotel retains many of its original features, including historic wallpaper designed by Augustus Pugin, who masterminded the interior of the Palace of Westminster. In recent times the hotel has been restored to its former neoclassical glory, revitalizing and reimagining the building’s original comforts with the latest technologies. The bedrooms are tasteful and stylish, befitting the history of this lovely building.

Special negotiated rate for delegates to book in advance:

Single Occupancy: £130 per night including VAT and breakfast

Double Occupancy: £140 per night including VAT and breakfast

These bedrooms must be booked directly with the sales office team at The Queens Hotel, and not through central reservations:

• Guests can call 01242 514754, option 2 for Meetings and Events
• or email meetings@queenshotelcheltenham.com
• Please quote “UKCS 2024 group”
• Delegates will need to provide card details to the hotel to secure their booking and settle their full account on arrival/departure.

Important notes: do not book late! These bedrooms will be popular and will be available at this price for a limited period, whilst stocks last.

Hotel Cancellation Policy is in place: fees apply if bookings are cancelled within 30 days before arrival date.

Other hotels nearby:

No 131. 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW

A beautiful Georgian townhouse hotel very close to The Town Hall (Conference venue), No. 131 offers 36 elegant bedrooms, delicious all-day and signature dining and voted the best Gin Bar in the UK 2022.

www.no131.com

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH

Set in the stylish Montpellier district, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham is a luxurious boutique hotel offering a stylish and quintessential English experience.

www.hotelduvin.com