Pranali Parikh, South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s newly appointed Director of Economic Development visited the three major East Lindsey projects which aim to grow inland tourism and secure the significant heritage sites for future generations.
Pranali was hosted by members of the Lincolnshire Wolds Culture and Heritage project team and met with Richard Quantrell, trustee of Alford Manor House, and Daniel Emerson from Messenger Construction on site at Spilsby Sessions House.
Subject to planning permission, Alford Manor House will see a new permanent, flexible event space created to replace the temporary marquee. The event space will provide the ability for the Manor House to provide function space for at least 100 people all year round for such occasions as funeral teas, concerts, weddings and craft market stalls.
Tour of the Alford Manor House
Pranali toured Alford Manor House alongside Richard and the project team and learned more about the site’s heritage, it’s importance locally to the community and how through partnership working, the project will be able to generate new uses and visitors for years to come.
Subject to planning approval, Spilsby Sessions House will see major repairs to the building to allow it to be reopened for use as a theatre and to be able to have a wider daytime use as a community-owned space. By improving the access into the Sessions House, the building will be a welcoming asset to all, with a new café area for residents and visitors.
Spilsby Sessions House
At Spilsby Sessions House, Pranali saw for herself the impressive building which is stemmed in history as a former courthouse and police station and the significant importance the listed building has for community groups, residents and wider East Lindsey.
Daniel explained some of the pre-construction works taking place on site, including the installation of “bird cage” scaffolding and the surveys which are helping shape the redevelopment project. An application for Spilsby Sessions House is expected to be submitted later this year.
Alford Windmill Tour
Pranali also toured Alford Windmill which is currently in the planning process and the application is expected to be determined in the next couple of months. If planning is consented, this site will see a new visitor centre and holiday accommodation, a new café and shop to help support ongoing costs.