Hotel and solar panels plan for historic Cambridge buildings

Plans for the future of the Guildhall, the Corn Exchange and the market square in Cambridge have been unveiled by the city council.

The proposals are part of regeneration plans for the "Civic Quarter".

They include turning the upper levels of the Guildhall into a hotel, installing solar panels and heat pumps in the Corn Exchange, and creating a covered area over the market square.

The plans will go before the council's strategy and resources scrutiny committee on Thursday, with a recommendation that the designs and budget are approved.

The Guildhall, which houses the council's chamber, is in line for a £41m refurbishment. It would include turning some of the building into commercial offices as well creating space on the top floors for a hotel.

The ground floor would be opened up with a public cafe. There are also plans for a "cultural offering", which could involve relocating the Museum of Cambridge to the building.

The Corn Exchange would have a £22m refurbishment under the plans. Solar panels and a heat pump would be installed to improve its energy-efficiency.

There would be more lifts installed to make the venue more accessible.

Parsons Court, next to the building, would also be given a revamp.