THE latest £300,000 vision for Horncastle Town Hall has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council.
A business plan put together by The Stanhope Hall Company, the charitable company hoping to take on the running of the Boston Road building, was delivered to ELDC after being endorsed by Horncastle Town Council at a special meeting last Tuesday.
F
eatured is a detailed five-year refurbishment plan to transform the former drill hall building into The Stanhope Hall described as 'a new multi-purpose venue featuring programmes of sports, arts and cultural activities'.
Town and county councillor Bill Aron, chairman of The SHC , said: "The end result is evident in the business plan which is more concise.
"The public support has been wonderful too encouraging our group to press on in the hope the hall will re-open sooner rather than later."
The bulk of the costs would be sought through grant applications along with income from hiring out the hall.
Lincolnshire Co-op has donated £5,000 towards the cost of labour and Horncastle Town Council has budgeted £20,000 (£15,000 precepted and £5,000 capital) plus £15,000 per year for the first three years.
More than £10,000 has also been collected from community pledges.
According to the plan, there have been 31 enquiries from potential hall hirers, eight enquiries for leases and 42 people offering to volunteer.
If half of the refurbishment cost is raised by May, then the plan is to mothball some parts and focus on areas that would produce immediate income such as the hall, offices and bar/kitchen.
A centre manager is planned to be recruited by September and an events co-ordinator next year to organise sporting, artistic and cultural events.
The rest of the building is scheduled to be refurbished by 2012, with further works earmarked until 2014.
Coun Aron said the business plan would be scrutinised by consultants outside ELDC before being presented to the executive board.
If accepted, the lease contract would be drawn up in march ready to be signed by the town council and The SHC at the beginning of April.
As reported, ELDC stepped down on their decision to demolish the town hall in November and agreed to enter into negotiations with HTC with a view to handing the lease over to them.
The charitable company would run the hall, overseen by the council.
* What do you make of these plans? Send your views to Horncastle News, Church Lane, Horncastle, LN9 5HW; email alison.sandilands@jpress.co.uk or call 01507 526868.
