This article was published on October 16, 2019 and information contained within may now be out of date.
Spilsby’s Sessions House CIC has been granted just over £15,000 from the National Lottery.
The Sessions House CIC has been granted a total of £15,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Theatres Trust to progress the restoration of Spilsby’s Grade 2 listed Sessions House (Spilsby Theatre). The funding will enable the organization to continue working with architects and consultants. Work on ‘Phasing and Preparatory Development’ has now begun.
“With this funding we will now be able to plan how construction work could be undertaken in stages” explained CIC Director Jean Shaftoe. “One element we are keen to explore is how parts of the building can be kept in use throughout restoration works. This would enable existing community activities to continue.”
CIC Director Bruce Knight added “This funded work will also highlight the economic benefits the project will provide for Spilsby and the region. This information will help to support subsequent funding applications.”
Claire Appleby, Architecture Adviser at the Theatres Trust said ‘We are pleased to support the Sessions House with a grant for Spilsby Theatre, a building that has been on our Theatres at Risk Register since 2015. The funding will allow them to push forward with the next stage of their project, and to the ultimate goal to restore Spilsby Theatre as a hub for its local community.’
The long term objective of the multi-million-pound project is to transform Spilsby’s heritage site into an outstanding arts and community facility.
The building dates back to 1827. It has the main courtroom, magistrates rooms, cells, the Sergeant’s house and police garage. The intention is to bring all these rooms back in use creating two events spaces, a bar, a cafe and a range of office/workspaces.
“A project of this scale requires considerable planning before construction work can begin. We are making significant progress” said Jean. “We would also like to thank players of the National Lottery. It’s thanks to them funding is available for projects such as this.”
Meanwhile, regular fundraising events continue at the Sessions House. “We are reliant on community support for these events and for our ‘Friends’ membership scheme to keep the project alive” said Jean. For more information visit www.thesessionshouse.org.uk
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