North Hertfordshire District Council's (NHDC) plans to convert Hitchin Town Hall into a new museum, along with spaces for use by community groups, have been put on display.

The first public exhibition for the proposals was held on 21 November at the hall, as well as Hitchin and Letchworth museums, with another event scheduled set to take place on 28 November at the same venues. In August, NHDC appointed architects Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams (BFAW) to carry out a feasibility study into the scheme, which examined the suitability of the town hall as a venue for the museum and the costs involved.

A Museums Facilities Working Group was also set up by the council, comprising local residents who have been invited to comment on the proposals. NHDC's portfolio holder for community engagement, Tricia Cowley, said: "The display will give everyone a well informed and much better idea of what the changes will look like and demonstrate how the community in Hitchin can get better use out of the whole building.

"The proposals involve massive investment in the structure of the building while retaining its character. The end result would be a much livelier and better used community facility."