The Sopwell Lane building was originally built as a non-conformist chapel in the 1840's, latterly being occupied by Baptists until sale to the Trustees of the St Albans Band in 1934. One of the original Trustees, Joseph Smith was the Grandfather of Ken Smith, currently playing 1st Baritone in the Band. The building was never in a great state of repair, the Band never having quite enough money to do the major repairs needed. Even twenty-five years ago consideration was given to selling the building, but no suitable buyers were found. Since then the building has been listed, so any redeveopment would need greater consideration.

After protracted negotiations that began in 2000, and two failed planning applications a third appliacation finally succeeded in February 2007, and the building was sold on 15th March 2007. Due to the listing of the building, it cannot be demolished and must be sensitively converted. It is planned that it will become a house.

Our thanks must go to former band member Richard Banks, who started the negotiations and to Tony Marriot, former Band Chairman who guided the project through it's most difficult stages.

More information on the history of the old Bandroom can be found here :

http://www.stalbansband.co.uk/content/view/27/27/