The first steps toward a rejuvenation of a landmark and historic building in downtown Trenton have been taken.
Wednesday (March 23) Quinte West’s Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee recommended council have staff prepare a business plan for upgrades and the possible expansion of Trenton Town Hall, built in 1861.
The limestone building is now home to the Trent Port Historical Society, but between it being a town hall and a museum, it had served as the home of the Trenton Police Force.
The city asked for a consultant’s report on ways to renew the building.
Trenton Town Hall in 1900. (Photo: Trent Port Historical Society)
In that report, consultants say the building is valuable and should be a centre for arts and cultural activities.
In the short term, consultants say it should have various interior, exterior, and landscaping work done.
In the long term it’s suggested a one-storey addition be added to the ground floor and eventually a new entertainment venue holding 300 to 500 people be built next to it. Trenton Town Hall sits on a municipal parking lot.
Consultants estimate the cost of its suggestions, both short and long-term, at over $6 million.
Council will make a decision on moving ahead with a business plan at a meeting in the near future.
See the consultant’s detailed report here.
The report was commissioned at a cost of $15,000.
Artist’s rendering from consultant’s report on modernized and expanded arts and cultural centre. (Photo: RAW Design and Branch Architecture)
