St Albans City and District Council is seeking to purchase the freehold of the Museum of St Albans with a view to developing the site for housing.

Profits from developing the Hatfield Road site, which is currently owned by the museum trust, will be re-invested in converting the Town Hall into a new museum and art gallery.  

Plans are now being developed for the Hatfield Road site in line with a design for a residential scheme born out of a day-long workshop with residents and architects.

By taking responsibility for developing the site, the council expects more money will be raised to invest in the new museum and art gallery project.

Councillor Brian Ellis, responsible for property, said: "The more money the council is able to raise for the new museum and art gallery the better. The aim is to deliver a new museum to showcase 2,000 years of our city’s history and an art gallery that will attract visitors to St Albans.

"There may be options to enhance the project if more money is forthcoming as a result of the development of the Hatfield Road site. To help make this become a reality we need the support of local residents and businesses to raise the necessary funds. Early next year, we will be unveiling a number of exciting ways the local community can get involved in this wonderful project."