FORDINGBRIDGE town hall could be in for a makeover, if funding applications are successful.
A recent town health check revealed a need to upgrade the facilities at the town hall, a grade II listed building in the centre of town.
The town council has estimated that it will cost around £55,000 to update the hall with a suspended ceiling, comfortable chairs, a portable stage and curtains, possibly a new floor and redecoration of the hall.
Grants have been applied for from the National Lottery Awards for All, Hampshire County Council and landfill tax.
The town hall was built in 1877 by the Oddfellows of the town and transferred to the provisional directors of the Fordingbridge Town Hall Company, formed by local businessmen.
After being requisitioned by the War Department in 1943, it was given over to the trustees of the parish council in 1953, in whose ownership it has remained ever since.
Today's town hall is used for public meetings, Fordingbridge Entertainments Society cinema, visiting theatre and musical groups.
The council hopes that in future the town hall could be used for wedding receptions, club dinners and trade shows.
It also wishes to encourage the use of the hall by youth and adult drama groups, bands and amateur dramatic societies.
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