CHESTER Freemen and Guilds have surrendered their lease on Chester Guildhall, more than half a century after adopting the former Holy Trinity Church as their base.

A statement from Cheshire West and Cheshire Council says: “The council has appointed a local business to manage the premises while a long term review takes place.”

The council would not confirm the name of the business running the 18th century building but it is believed to be Chester businesswoman Tara Jade’s company Umbrellah.

The statement continued: “Booking dates for the Guildhall made by the Freemen and Guilds will be honoured and the premises are being updated.”

Chester Operatic Society, Judy’s Affordable Vintage and Goldust Productions, which presents burlesque balls, are just some of the companies that have regularly used Chester Guildhall for events.

According to CWAC, the Freemen and Guilds will continue to use the Guildhall for their functions and meetings.

The Guildhall, on Watergate Street, started life as Holy Trinity Church.

According to Elaine Pierce-Jones, of the Chester History and Heritage Centre, it was first recorded in 1188.

She said: “It underwent several alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries and in 1811, on the advice of architect Thomas Harrison the spire was dismantled.

“The whole building was virtually rebuilt in the 1860s.”

The church was deconsecrated in the early 1960s when the parish of Holy Trinity Church transferred to the new church in Blacon. The Freemen and Guilds of Chester ran the Guildhall from then until the end of October 2011.

The Chronicle has left messages for Tara Jade, asking her to comment on her Guildhall role, but she has yet to respond.