As the Herald reported previously, agreement in principle has been reached between all four interested parties – owners East Devon District Council, auditorium operators Seaton’s Voice and tenants Seaton Town Council and Seaton Museum.

Officials have spoken of their delight that Seaton Town Hall is facing a secure future.

As the Herald reported last week, agreement in principle has been reached between all four interested parties – owners East Devon District Council (EDDC), auditorium operators Seaton’s Voice and tenants Seaton Town Council and Seaton Museum.

The agreement is based on the transfer of the freehold interest in the building from EDDC to the town council, without charge.

At the same time, the town council will agree a long lease on the town hall to Seaton’s Voice, excluding the current area occupied by the museum. This will secure the future of the Gateway entertainment venue and the use of the hall by community groups. The town council will then relocate to a new HQ at Marshlands.

Welcoming the breakthrough, Councillor Ian Thomas, EDDC finance spokesman, said: “I would like to add my personal thanks to all from Seaton Town Council, Seaton’s Voice, Seaton Museum and my East Devon District Council member and officer colleagues, for all the work and effort they have made to secure this agreement.

“We now have a solution, which I am confident can work well for all concerned. Most importantly, it can secure a sustainable long-term future for Seaton Town Hall in the community.”

Ted Gosling, curator of Seaton Museum, added his support, saying: “I am delighted that agreement is being reached in principle to securing Seaton Town Hall for the town.

“It was over 30 years ago that it was first proposed that a museum for Seaton should be established at Seaton Town Hall, and that museum now houses a wonderful record of the town’s history.

“By all parties working together, the town can be assured that the museum is safe for the future and my collection will remain in the town.”