THE proposed move of West Dorset District Council could allow the present HQ to be turned into a major tourist attraction.

The county town’s chamber of commerce president Alistair Chisholm believes the Old Crown Court could be transformed to make the most of its colourful history.

Mr Chisholm, who is also town crier and a tour guide, said the building could take its place as one of the key historic sites in Dorchester when the council moves out of its High West Street offices.

The Old Crown Court stands within Stratton House, which has been used by the council since 1974.

Mr Chisholm said the court, famous as the scene of the Tolpuddle Martyrs trial, should be more of a tourist attraction.

He said: “The council is looking to move to new offices in the town centre and that would be a superb opportunity for making the Old Crown Court the tourist attraction it deserves to be.

“At the moment the public can visit during the council’s office hours to have a look round and listen to a recorded story and there are special guided tours on occasions when people can also go down in the cells.

“But whoever takes that building on could market and promote it well – I’m sure it could make some money.

“That court is a key historic site in this town.

“People come from all over the world to visit Tolpuddle and the court is a major part of the martyrs’ story.”

Mr Chisholm added: “It is such an atmospheric and historic site and at the end of the day we’re not making the most of it.”

He said the old court had been used for occasional events, including opera from scratch for the Dorchester Festival and as a setting for mock trials staged by Age Concern Dorchester.

Mr Chisholm said: “It’s a very impressive setting for anything like that. Most of the time you get to it by going through the Stratton House reception but for special events they open the big doors off the street and you come in up that imposing staircase – that’s the best approach for such an important building.”

The council is currently looking to move to premises that would be better suited as offices and be more economical. Members decided at the full council meeting last week to explore two town centre developments – Charles Street and Brewery Square – for the move.

Members also agreed to continue negotiations with the National Trust, the TUC and other organisations to look into a joint venture to refurbish and operate the Old Crown Court for visitors and to protect its heritage.