Conference centre plan mooted for Ayscoughfee
Tuesday, 4pm - AYSCOUGHFEE Hall could be transformed into a conference centre for two days a week as top councillors continue to look into the future of Spalding's historic hall.
South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter says it could be lucrative to open up the Church Street hall to businesses.
He cited the example of Leeds Castle in Kent, which is an historic venue that also opens its doors for conferences.
Coun Porter said: "Imagine if you were eating in there and sleeping there. It would be a great experience.
"I think the idea might have potential and if it was only two days a week it would not get in the way of people coming to use the museum."
Coun Porter estimates that the plan could rake in thousands of pounds at a time when the authority is waiting to hear the detail behind spending cuts of at least 25 per cent imposed by central government.
As previously reported in this paper, the council has moved to cut running costs of the hall by 40,000 by reducing the "curatorship" at the museum.
The Heritage Lottery Fund, which, along with the district council, Lincolnshire Tourism and the Friends of Ayscoughfee, helped to fund a three-year renovation and refurbishment programme at Ayscoughfee Hall, are not "overly happy" with the plans according to deputy council leader Nick Worth.
Speaking at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, Coun Worth said he will be meeting with representatives from the fund to discuss the plans for Ayscoughfee.
He said: "I know they are not overly happy with the proposals, but we will be able to provide expertise through a different structure."
Part of the funding agreement was that museum experts should be on hand to deal with visitors' questions.
Coun Christine Lawton added: "It's a regrettable situation but I feel it's a necessity to keep the museum open. Hopefully it can be a short term position."
Coun Worth agreed to bring the matter back to the full council if the Heritage Lottery refuses to agreed with the plans.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 09 February 2012
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