Bourne Town Hall - A Place for the Whole Community

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is pleased to have been able to support the Bourne Town Hall Trust with Heritage Impact Fund loan investment. This is part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund development phase funding package for the conservation and redevelopment of Bourne Town Hall, Lincolnshire.

Bourne Town Hall was built in 1821 using funds raised by public subscription. Situated on land that was gifted to the town by the Marquis of Exeter, the Town Hall originally comprised a courtroom and covered market. Over the years, spaces within the building were converted to various local facilities, including a fire station and, most recently, council office accommodation.

Image: The old courtroom at Bourne Town Hall.

Now, the Trust plans to restore the Grade II-listed Town Hall to its former glory, repairing and revealing as much of its original Georgian interior as possible. The overall vision is to bring the building back into use for the whole community, creating an arts and entertainment centre with flexible performance and exhibition spaces. 

Alongside £30,000 of loan investment, the AHF has previously provided both project viability and development grant funding to support the Trust with their plans for the long-term community management and reuse of this important facility in the town.

Images: A craft fair and a poetry event at Bourne Town Hall. Credit - Bourne Town Hall Trust.

Work is now well underway to develop these plans for the sustainable use of the Town Hall, with the Trust delivering a programme of volunteering, engagement activities, community consultation and pilot events. This includes open mic nights, exhibitions by local artists and theatre productions.

For more information, please visit: The Old Town Hall – Bourne – A volunteer project run by the Community for the Community (bournetownhall.org.uk)