Historic England funding granted for at risk heritage site in East Lindsey

East Lindsey District Council has successfully applied for £1.006 million of Heritage at Risk funding from Historic England to further ensure the future of Spilsby Sessions House.

The funding will go towards vital repairs within the listed building.  

The Grade II listed building was built in 1827 as a sessions house and jail, before being converted to a theatre in 1984. Spilsby Sessions House has been on the Theatres at Risk register since 2015.

The grant funding will allow major conservation works to the roof and brick works throughout the building as well as repairing and replacing windows.

This is on top of £4.929 million of UK Government funding already secured to ensure the further transformation of this important cultural asset, through a partnership between East Lindsey District Council and Spilsby Sessions House Charity.

The Government funding will allow the building to reopen for cultural and art uses, as well as to have a wider daytime use as a community space.

Spilsby Sessions House has also applied for Arts Council to complete and deliver the internal fit out works required.  

Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council, said: "The Historic England funding for Spilsby Sessions House is crucial for the redevelopment and for the investment into the Lincolnshire Wolds.

"This funding will allow the building to reopen and enhance the offer which the trust is able to provide. The Sessions House has been a key part of the community since 1827 when it was originally built. To be able to commit to these repairs and bring life back into this key historic building not just for Spilsby but for the wider Lincolnshire Wolds.

"We look forward to hearing back from Arts Council to help secure the extra funding need to complete this ambitious project."

Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: "Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven't been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation's most disadvantaged areas. We're thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it's needed most."  

Bruce Knight, Spilsby Sessions House Trustee, said: "With the confirmation of this Historic England grant alongside the government funding already successfully secured by East Lindsey District Council, the community will now begin to see Spilsby's Sessions House actually receiving the much needed repair its historic fabric needs.

"Historic England have supported the project in earlier stages, and we are thrilled to see their support continue. This not only demonstrates their desire to preserve the heritage site, but it is also a recognition of support for our plans to revive and relaunch the building as a cultural facility.

"Supported by the Theatres Trust 'Resilient Theatres - Resilient Communities' programme, our work on early stage planning for opening up the venue has already begun and over the next eighteen months we will be seeking to continue to fund the essential planning and preparation work and will also be seeking funds for final fit out costs.

"Thanks to Historic England and East Lindsey District Council, we can proceed with the knowledge that the crucial, fundamental building work will be well underway."