Reclaiming a  landmark
Transformation of the redundant building into a museum and gallery celebrates the history and identity of St Albans, while ensuring its long-term viability as a public asset. Working closely with Historic England, the local authority and the Heritage Lottery Fund, JMP developed a sensitive approach that balances careful conservation with strategic new interventions.

The design preserves and restores the town hall’s most significant spaces, including the stuccoed elevations, assembly room and courtroom, while unlocking the building for public use in ways never previously possible. New glazed wings at first-floor level create a continuous visitor route through the building, offering expansive views across the city and towards the cathedral beyond. These light-touch additions clearly distinguish old from new, while enhancing legibility and accessibility.

Following meticulous refurbishment and the discreet integration of modern services, the assembly room now houses permanent galleries exploring the history of St Albans. The former courtroom is retained as a creative learning space and café, while the basement - including its evocative Victorian cells - has been reconfigured as environmentally controlled galleries for touring exhibitions and contemporary art. A ground-floor visitor information centre completes the transformation of a building that has played a central role in the town’s cultural regeneration.