Outdated and loss-making St Nicolas Church Hall in Spalding could be replaced in the not too distant future.
Members of the Parochial Church Council for St Mary and St Nicolas voted unanimously on Monday to investigate the costs and process of a new-build.
The vicar of St Mary and St Nicolas was pleased with the outcome as it was part of his vision for the regeneration of the whole area surrounding The Vista.
Rev John Bennett would like a new building to also house Spalding Gentlemen’s Society’s historically valuable collection.
He said: “The outcome [of Monday’s PCC meeting] was that we have agreed that we are going to keep the hall going at the moment, even though we’re losing money, and that we are going to look towards replacing it.”
The estimated cost of a new hall is anywhere upto £1million and sources of funding will be investigated.
At this point Spalding Gentlemen’s Society – currently based in now unsuitable premises in Broad Street – has not indicated if it would consider any collaboration with the parish church. Parts of its building have accessibility and subsidence problems.
Rev Bennett said: “The Gentlemen’s Society faces huge challenges.
“It’s a prestigious organisation with a fantastic collection but faces difficulties to get it to where it needs to be to make it accessible.
“I would want to help in any way I can.”
St Nicolas Hall – which costs £11,000 per year to run – is losing money.
It was once a popular venue for dances and other functions, but bookings have dwindled as it’s seen to be too big, not modern and, until recently, attracted anti-social behaviour.
Rev Bennett would like to see better use of The Vista as a whole, with Lincolnshire County Council’s building and the former Bull and Monkie pub demolished.
A report on replacing the hall is due before the 20 members of the PCC within 12 months.
