There is an obvious way of making some money that does not yet appear to have occurred to Birmingham City Council’s bean counters.

You might call it the nuclear option, and is certainly unlikely to appeal to those in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition who obsess about not selling the family silver, but it is becoming abundantly clear that the imposing, Victorian-built, Council House is pretty much surplus to requirements, as well as containing draughty, expensive, outdated and unwanted office space.

Now that a long overdue rationalisation strategy modernising council accommodation has been all but completed – a refurbished Lancaster Circus, new premises close to Aston Science Park, Service Birmingham at Fort Dunlop – the Council House is full of large, empty spaces and will be even emptier when finance officials move out shortly.

The only occupants remaining will be chief executive Stephen Hughes, his support staff, the press office team which is now so small that it could safely be housed in a largish phone box, and, of course, the councillors themselves who meet in the historic council chamber once a month.

It may become even more difficult to justify retaining the Council House if Birmingham gets an elected mayor, since front-runner Sion Simon is sympathetic to the idea that 120 councillors are about 60 too many and may ask the Government to drastically downsize the local authority.

If Labour regains control of the council next May, whether Birmingham has a mayor or not, there will be a new emphasis on devolution.

The party is working on proposals to beef up the powers of the 10 constituency committees and ward committees, so it seems certain that the really important public meetings in the new-look Birmingham will be held outside of the city centre.

This begs the question: does Birmingham need a centrally-based Council House?

It would be far better for civic engagement if the monthly full council meetings were held in the constituencies on a rolling basis, something that might be an education for councillors and officers as well as the public.

Although it is in a poor decorative condition, the Council House remains sturdy enough and as a listed building receives protection against demolition.

And since constructing hotels appears to be just about the only growth industry in Birmingham at the moment, the council might be able to make some money by selling the building to a major leisure operator.

A project along these lines would dovetail naturally with the redevelopment of Paradise Circus and the civic heart of Birmingham, which is expected to get under way in 2014.

With its impressive history – foundation stone laid by Joseph Chamberlain, Neville Chamberlain was Lord Mayor before going on to greater (?) things as prime minister – a political theme for a Council House hotel would appear to be an obvious choice.

Some sensitive restoration work would be required, but there is no reason why the Council House shouldn’t enjoy a bright future. It already has an ornate banqueting suite, which would make a splendid a la carte restaurant.

I suggest the Stephen Hughes room – the only cuts in here are the finest cuts of meat, or something like that.