Lincolnshire Wolds: Cultural & Heritage Programme
Three historic sites are to benefit from £8m of Government funding.
East Lindsey District Council was successful in its bid for Government funding to support three ambitious regeneration schemes in the Lincolnshire Wolds. The three culturally significant heritage sites are Alford Manor House, Alford Windmill and Spilsby Sessions House.
The funding will help transform and enhance their cultural importance, attract new visitors, enhance their uses and support the local tourism economy.
The projects, Lincolnshire Wolds: Cultural & Heritage Programme, will create financially stable futures for the three at risk heritage assets and will have a beneficial impact on the entire Lincolnshire Wolds tourism economy.
The funding is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities.
The three projects have been developed in partnership with the local community and through East Lindsey's commitment to its Vital and Viable programme which supports businesses in our market towns with initiatives aimed to drive footfall.
Spilsby Sessions House
The £4.85 million project at Spilsby Sessions House comprises of major repairs to the building, to allow the building to be reopened for uses as a theatre and to be able to have a wider daytime use as a community-owned space. By improving the access into the Sessions House the building will be a welcoming community space to everyone, so they will be able to use the new café area which will serve the people not only in the community but also visitors to the area. The listed building has a significant place in history. By making the building's heritage more accessible the building will provide not only a look into its history but additional space for displays. The Former Magistrates room will be converted into a multi-use function room.
Bruce Knight, Heritage & Arts Co-ordinator at Spilsby Sessions House, said: "We are so pleased about the decision. The Spilsby Sessions House charity will now be able to realise the vision of fully repairing the Grade II listed heritage site and transforming a theatre at risk into a visitor attraction and community arts venue for all.
"The impact of this project will be a huge boost for the local community and for East Lindsey as whole. It will complement the Town Deal investment the District Council has already achieved for the coast and will create something that people across the region can be proud of."
Alford Manor House
The £2.05 million project at Alford Manor House, if planning is approved, will see a new permanent, flexible event space is proposed to replace the temporary marquee which has been in place since 2006. The event space will provide the ability for the Manor House to provide function space for at least 100 people at all times of the year for such occasions as funeral teas, concerts, weddings and craft market stalls. The event space will allow good access to the Manor House and the surrounding gardens.
Richard Quantrell Alford Manor House Trustee, said "The UK Government Funding Scheme has given us a great opportunity in Alford to revitalise our much loved heritage assets. The Manor House and the Windmill are unique and have great potential to become outstanding tourist attractions.
"This new funding, together with the vital commitment of Lincolnshire County Council to pay for the repair of Windmill itself, will provide the investment that is needed to fulfil that potential. We are all excited at the prospect of Alford becoming an important tourist destination rather than just a drive through."
Alford Windmill
The £1.1m scheme for Alford Windmill, will see a new visitor centre and holiday accommodation created on the site if planning permission is approved. It will include a bakery, café, and shop in one of the preexisting outbuildings to help support ongoing costs, maintenance, repairs, and conservation for the future of the windmill. The café will sell local produce as well as bakery produce using flour milled on site once the windmill is restored.
Plans also include expanding the car park which could offer the potential for coach trips. The proposed café will seat around 44 covers with the option to serve even more people outside.
John Smith Alford Windmill Trustee, said "When the site has been completed, we can't wait to open the redeveloped spaces for people to explore and enjoy, with the education centre for people to learn more about where their food comes from, a fantastic new holiday home for people to visit and a new bakery where visitors can sample quality local products.
Alongside the improvements being made at Alford Manor House, we can help to improve the heritage and tourism offer in Alford."
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder said, "These three culturally significant sites in Alford and Spilsby are vitally important to their communities as well as the wider district. I am delighted that government funding will give a new lease of life and offer for visitors to come to Alford and Spilsby and enjoy these facilities.
"These schemes have been put together in a way that respects the heritage of the sites as well as being ambitious to ensure they have a financial stable future and are attractive to residents, visitors and holidaymakers who may want to visit."
Cllr Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council said: "The funding will truly be transformational for these heritage sites and the communities they support. New tourist attractions which enhance the current offer will be created which will help secure their use for generations to come.
"There are so many hardworking people committed to these cultural facilities and I am so delighted the Government has recognised this and is supporting us to help keep these facilities thriving."
Victoria Atkins, MP for Louth and Horncastle said, "I am delighted by the news that Alford and Spilsby will benefit from a boost of £8million from the Government's Funding. This transformational funding will bolster the cultural offer to constituents and visitors and support the local economy."
Read the bid documents here: