Finding a use for the Old Johnson Hospital and a proposed link up with two historical institutions are among the actions being proposed as part of a new ‘Cultural Strategy’ for South Holland.
The document says South Holland District Council should ‘take forward negotiation of ownership’ as part of the new document.
Among the options it should look at are making it for community use or affordable housing says the strategy which aims to ‘set an ambitious vision for culture’.
As reported in May, the Spalding Town Board is looking at using some of its £20m over ten years ‘Levelling Up’ money promised by the previous government to purchase the long derelict building.
Other priority actions as set out in the strategy are:
* Creating a 21st Century Digital Assets Collecting Programme in collaboration with the British Museum and Smithsonian. This would involve ‘Capturing today’s stories around cultural diversity, migration and inclusion, to foster new narratives, enhance community cohesion and pride in place and increase knowledge and profile of South Holland’s heritage and contemporary narrative and identity.’
* A collaboration of local organisations to develop touring exhibitions, events and boost existing festivals.
* Working with the Chain Bridge Forge on promoting blacksmithing.
* Building from traditional activities such as the Flower Parade.
* Establishing a form or network for local organisations to develop partnerships.
The Cultural Strategy also states that a new ‘Heritage Strategy’ and ‘Action Plan for Spalding’ are being developed.
A co-ordinator is also set to be employed to oversee the new Heritage Strategy.
The strategy, plus another for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was discussed by members of South Holland District Council’s Policy Development Panel on Tuesday, September 24.
They were created using funding from Arts Council England.
The panel was told that the Cultural Strategy would be updated at least every year to keep it current.
It contains numerous mentions of local groups and representatives that help play a part in the area’s culture.
The vision for South Holland as stated in the Cultural Strategy is “South Holland will be a place of active cultural participation.
“The area’s rich cultural heritage will be a foundation for new cultural activities which connect and energise local people, enhance overall wellbeing, and support the growth and sustainable development of cultural tourism and enterprise.”
