THE public are being invited to give their ideas for Shire Hall at a special open day on November 24.
The Grade II-listed building at the top of Chelmsford High Street continues to be used for weddings and public meetings, even though the magistrates' court moved to a new courthouse in New Street, opposite the police station, earlier this year.
Now Essex County Council, which owns the building, has launched a public consultation to gather ideas for potential uses and is inviting the public to visit.
Councillor Dick Madden, chairman of the Shire Hall Reference Group, said: "Following discussions with the Mayor of Chelmsford, I felt it would be a great idea to hold an open day, so that residents can get a real sense of this historic building, which has played a key part in the civic and judicial life of Chelmsford.
"Hopefully, it will give people an idea as to what the building could be used for, as well as the constraints of the building."
Shire Hall was built in 1791 and was designed by county surveyor John Johnson.
It was kept the same for over 200 years, apart from in 1930, when the main staircase had to be replaced.
The Chelmsford Ideas Festival last month, organised by the environment group Changing Chelmsford, discussed potential uses.
The public came up with a variety of ideas, including a community centre, a tourism information centre and even an art gallery.
For those who cannot attend the open day, have your say at www.theshirehall.com or e-mail shire.hallconsultation@essex.gov.uk before February 15, 2013.
