Cost-cutting plans touted for three key council assets in Spalding

South Holland District Council is considering new ways of running its three prized assets in Spalding.

Fresh business cases are being considered for Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens, the South Holland Centre and the council’s offices in Priory Road.

Deputy council leader Nick Worth said: “We’re looking at these three sites because they are the most costly to the taxpayer.
“What we are trying to do is reduce costs.”

A report to next Tuesday’s (July 12) cabinet meeting about the Ayscoughfee site says: “The business case will seek to secure a sustainable future for the facility by transferring the asset to a specialist external agency (eg. cultural/leisure trust, heritage organisation).
“The site will benefit from further promotion as an important heritage facility within the district and an expanded cultural offer.”

Coun Worth denied that the council is looking to cut its ties with the Grade 1 listed hall and Grade 2 gardens; instead it was seeking a new arrangement in running them.

The museum and gardens is held in trust to the people of Spalding, and the report say maintenance and upkeep are an “increasing pressure” on the council’s budget.

The South Holland Centre in Spalding

Meanwhile, The South Holland Centre could be leased to a “high quality operator”, which might lead to improved cinema facilities.
The Market Place venue is popular with people in and outside the district but, again, operating costs – about £290,000 per year – is a big financial strain and said to be “not sustainable”.

Coun Worth said some of the cultural offerings could be switched to Ayscoughfee, and a fresh look at the South Holland Centre’s revenue streams would be made.

“We could be sharper on things like catering and having the bar open longer when people are there,” he said.

The council’s Priory Road site is expected to become a community hub providing rental income from the relocation of partners in health, Department of Work and Pensions, Lincolnshire County Council and Police.
A budget of £50,000 has been set for alterations.

South Holland District Council’s offices in Spalding