ONE of Worcester's oldest and finest landmark buildings is being lined up for a major revamp.

The Guildhall could become home to a museum or arts facility, as well as a new tourist information centre and caf, under plans being considered by Worcester City Council.

The council aims to submit an application for a heritage Lottery grant later this year to fund the scheme.

No feasibility studies have been completed for the proposals, but the authority is considering moving the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, which currently occupies the south wing, into the north wing along with a caf.

The areas left free by the move could be filled with council offices. Upper floors could be used as a museum or arts space.

"All of these ideas are floating around as possibilities," said the council's head of property, Mike O'Grady.

"I think our members are looking at moving The Guildhall forwards as a building. He added. "It's a public building and we want the public to use it."

The 18th Century building, in the High Street, is home to the city council. It was begun in 1721 by Thomas White, a student of Sir Christopher Wren, but he was so badly paid for the work that he died a pauper. He bestowed the money owed, which was finally paid in 1753, to the Royal Worcester Infirmary.

Disabled access and facilities at The Guildhall are also set for an overhaul. The city council is pushing ahead with plans to install a lift serving all floors of the building to provide access for wheelchair users to the Assembly Rooms and Council Chamber.

Two platform lifts to overcome minor floor level changes, plus a toilet for the disabledt, would be installed on the ground floor according to the plans, due to be discussed by the council's cabinet tonight.

The proposals, which will help the council comply with discrimination laws coming into force in October 2004, will need planning and listed building consent.

During the building work, which is scheduled for April to September next year, alternative accommodation will need to be found for staff currently working in the building's north wing. The council does not believe that HMV, next to the Guildhall on the High Street, will be affected by the plans.