CIRENCESTER'S newest community venue has been launched, and owners hope to make it the star attraction.

The landmark Corn Hall Assembly Room has been restored to its former glory.

Developers Wildmoor Properties want the stunning Grade II-listed venue, which features a 13m by 6m main room, reception, bar area and roof terrace, to play a pivotal role hosting a range of events.

Corn Hall manager Augusta Wreay said: "It's a beautiful space and there for whatever people want – from conferences to banquets. The hall is ready to hire, and in addition to the Corn Hall itself, it's another central venue for the town."

The painstaking renovation is the latest in a major investment in Cirencester by Wildmoor.

Owner Mark Booth bought the Corn Hall from Cotswold District Council for £650,000 in 2007 and pumped £2 million into its renovation.

The now bustling main hall, in Market Place, re-opened in December 2008, followed three months later by the stylish Corn Hall Arcade with 11 new retail units.

The Assembly Room was the original banqueting hall for the next-door King's Head Hotel, and is the first completed stage of a multi-million pound refurbishment. Its entrance is through the arcade.

Mrs Wreay said: "It's quite hidden – you go through a glass door by Hobbs Bakery and then see this beautiful splendour behind it – it's like Narnia.

"We've held a few events but now we want people to really know it's there and I'm just starting a marketing campaign. We're also going to apply for a wedding licence.

"The room had been divided into two with a false ceiling but has now been completely opened up, and has new plasterwork, columns, chandeliers and a new wooden floor."

The public will be able to see the venue showcased at its best on March 25 when it hosts its first fashion show.

This will feature clothes from Cirencester shops such as Just Maude and Pakeman Catto and Carter, to be modelled by local men and women.

Ros Gardiner, from Cirencester, has chosen the hall for the catwalk display to raise funds for Kidney Research and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

After suffering from kidney disease from the age of two, Mrs Gardiner's daughter Layla received a transplant from her 60-year-old aunt Pam Chamberlain seven years ago and now leads a happy normal life.

Mrs Gardiner said: "I've been planning this event for two years and the Assembly Room is the perfect venue."

She hopes to sell 160 tickets for the show which starts at 7.30pm and includes a silent auction with 18 lots, including a gift pack donated by Elizabeth Hurley.

For more information on auction items visit cotswoldbreakthrough.org.uk or call Ros on 01285 651969.

For more details on booking the Assembly Room, contact Mrs Wreay on 01285 740641.