Watford Museum looks set to be relocated to inside the town hall after the latest plans on a ten year scheme to boost Watford's heritage were unveiled.
Watford Borough Council says its multimillion Town Hall Quarter programme aims to make "significant investment" in the town culturally.
Following a meeting of the council's Cabinet last week, the council says the long-term future of Watford town hall and Watford Colosseum have been "secured".
The council's latest announcement has all but confirmed that Watford Museum will be moving from its current home in Lower High Street to inside the town hall - but the museum in the town hall may not open until 2025.
Initial plans published in 2019 suggested the museum might be created within a new building next to Watford Library but it looks like that plan has been shelved.
The town's mayor Peter Taylor says moving the museum into the town hall makes a "better use" of the Grade II listed building.
In 2018, the council said it would not be expanding the museum in its current home at Benskin House because it was not "financially viable".
The town hall will also be transformed into a new business setting for entrepreneurs and start-ups, which tallies with the council's aspirations for an innovation and incubation hub in the area.
The council chamber will also remain where it is, including while work to refurbish the town hall is ongoing.
By revitalising the town hall, the council says it will save around £300,000 each year because office space will be reduced with home-working likely to be common in the years to come.
It has also become apparent that the town hall won't be converted into a four or five-star hotel, as was mooted in 2019.
The Colosseum next door is currently closed, with the council investing £5 million refurbishing the "iconic" venue. It is set to reopen in 2023 with the council looking for an operator that will oversee events such as live bands, comedy, music, and other entertainment.
Related: Council to spend £5m refurbishing Watford Colosseum
Mr Taylor said: "Now, more than ever, it is vital that we remain ambitious for our town and keep investing in Watford. These plans not only protect two wonderful Grade II listed buildings but they will also deliver a real boost to our local economy, making Watford a fantastic centre for new and growing businesses as well as culture, arts and entertainment.
"Transforming the town hall into a lively community and business hub as well as a new home for the museum not only makes better use of the building, it makes sound financial sense for the council, cutting the cost of our office space and delivering a good deal for council taxpayers."
There are other plans to redevelop this part of Watford too with potentially 300 homes being built near West Herts College and the road layout around The Avenue car park reconfigured. Public spaces are also planned.
The proposal to get rid of the Rickmansworth Road underpass won't be going ahead, confirmed last year.
Related: Plan to remove Rickmansworth Road underpass scrapped
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