A VISION for the future of Chepstow’s Drill Hall has been revealed with formal plans showing how the building could look if granted a £1 million makeover.

An artist’s impression of the hall’s proposed expansion features in a planning application submitted to Monmouthshire County Council. Plans will only go ahead if a seven-figure funding bid lodged with Big Lottery is granted, with a result expected in February 2018.

The designs aim to revamp a hall which is described by the applicants as “utilitarian” in nature with its “random” stone finish, timber doors and windows.

A modernised, natural stone exterior has been proposed which aims to “respect the character” of the existing building.

A glazed corridor linking to two parts of the building has also been proposed alongside solar panels to take advantage of the hall’s southerly-facing roof.

The sketches, submitted by Chepstow-based architects Liddell and Associates, also include an “obvious” entrance into an upgraded foyer, which will then lead into an expanded hall. A second hall, with seating for up to 60 people, has also been proposed alongside a new multi-purpose studio, improved toilet and kitchen facilities.

New dedicated office space would be used by committee members of a newly formed Drill Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which would run the hall.

Monmouthshire County Council have already agreed to transfer the hall’s ownership to Chepstow Town Council, which would then lease the venue to the CIO.

Earlier this month, town councillors met to thrash out the terms of the 99-year lease, with some continuing to voice their apprehension about the plans and the CIO.

One of the conditions of the lease is that the town council can take back control of the venue “in the event of catastrophe”.