PUBLIC opinion on the Crosfield Hall's proposed move is similar to when it was first built, according to a Hampshire history society.
Scores of Advertiser readers have been writing letters over the last few weeks in opposition to the proposals.
A meeting of the Romsey Forum in September heard that plans are moving forward to move the Crosfield Hall to the Rapids site, have new car parks and new flats.
The scheme is focussed around the area south of the town centre including the bus station and Aldi.
Many have urged planners to look at alternative solutions.
A recent feature by Romsey Local History Society chairman Mary Harris shows a similar discourse when the hall was built in 1936.
The article, published in the history society's newsletter reads: “In 1934 there was already talk of the need for a new town hall for Romsey.
READ MORE: Romsey and District Society calls for more info on Crosfield Hall plan
“Then in February 1935, the newly formed amateur dramatic group, RAODS, put on their first show, 'The Mikado', in the town hall. This highlighted the need for a larger hall as well as a larger stage area.
“This prompted Mr J J Crosfield, a wealthy local philanthropist, to offer £3,000 towards a new town hall which would incorporate a large assembly room and performance space to celebrate King George V's Silver Jubilee.
“The mayor and most of the town council were much in favour of a totally new town hall but responses in the Romsey Advertiser over the succeeding weeks suggest that generally public opinion was against incurring the expense, with doubts about how much it was needed. Romsey's population was no larger in the 1930s than it had been in the mid 19th century and it was felt that the town would never grow because of the nearness of Southampton.
“There was much argument among councillors about the site, the cost of upkeep, and what to do with the old town hall.
“He complained that the town council would have to pay £l5 a year in rent, the cost of the drainage and the upkeep.
SEE ALSO: Letter: 'Surely a proper debate is the next step'
“Despite this the council continued to argue about a site for the new town hall, considering the existing site, Scraggs Field, Abbey Mead, and Ward's Field. Despairing of the council Mr Crosfield offered the new theatre to RAODS but the newly formed group did not feel they had the secure finances to take on the responsibility.
“Despite their arguments and fear of running costs the council was reluctant to refuse Mr Crosfield's offer and eventually decided to lease the land west of Palmerston Street and invite Mr Crosfield to build an assembly hall there although they decided against building a new administrative town hall alongside.
“Once the decision was made the hall was designed, built, and opened within six months.”
The hall officially opened on June 17 1936.
The article continues: “When local government was reorganised in 1974 the town facilities became the property of Test Valley Council. Romsey Town Council bought back the town hall but the Crosfield Hall was left the responsibility of Test Valley Council.
"When she opened the hall in 1936 Mrs Crosfield said that she hoped that the hall would be of great benefit and a source of much pleasure to the people of Romsey. There can be no doubt that this has been so.”
For more details about the latest proposals, visit romseyfuture.org.uk/the-masterplan.
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