AN INCREASED budget of £229,477 is set to be ploughed into Monmouth’s Shire Hall, after a previous business plan for the facility proved ‘unworkable’.

The 2011-12 business plan for the tourist site is recommended to be approved by Monmouthshire Council’s Cabinet meeting today. It sets out objectives for the Grade I listed building throughout 2011 and 2012, with the aim of making it accessible to all and to “bring to life its rich heritage and position it as a vital community resource”.

It is also hoped it will become a ‘Beacon to the Shires’, linking Monmouthshire attractions with those further afield in the Forest of Dean and Herefordshire.

The new plan comes following the completion of a £4.5 million restoration project in September when the new-look building, famous for its courtroom in which John Frost and other Chartists were convicted of high treason in 1840, was reopened to the public.

Shire Hall general manager Mike Booth said when he arrived more than 12 months ago, a small budget of £60,000 was insufficient to fund staffing and start-up costs.

So an interim review plan was submitted, with funding increased to £160,000, to recruit staff and open the hall every day for visitors and functions.

As part of this, a full business plan was to be drawn up, to take it forward, said Mr Booth and this is what goes before cabinet today.

“It’s how we take it from its restoration through to the operation, so it’s an exciting time for us. The business plan is ambitious in its objectives – which you would expect from such an iconic building – but sets out how it will become financially sustainable as income levels increase over time,” he said. Last year’s funding has enabled Monmouth town Council to return to the Shire Hall and for Adventa to relocate offices there.

The report says the future success of the facility will depend on working with other providers to make it a ‘visitor hub’ in the local area. It is also recommended in another report today Monmouth market is reestablished at the hall.