Plans for a clocktower at Bourne Old Town Hall have won support

Plans to rebuild a clocktower that burned down in 1933 have been given the planning authority’s seal of approval.

Volunteers are creating a new arts venue from the former town hall in North Street, Bourne.

The Grade II listed building dates from 1821 and has been a courtroom, and a covered market.

But it was while it used as a fire station in the 1930s that a fire took hold in the roof and the original clocktower was lost.

On Wednesday, September 18, consent was granted by South Kesteven District Council for the roof to be replaced, and repairs and alterations to be made inside and out.

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The arts venue project began about five years ago, with Charles Houseago at the helm of the Bourne Town Hall Trust.

The first stage involved the creation of a bar area on the ground floor, called The Shambles in reference to its historic use as a market.

This opened in 2019 with live music and continues to host regular quiz nights and other events.

The upstairs, a former magistrates’ court, will be turned into a theatre for cinema and live performances, with retractable tiered seating for 80 people. A foyer and toilets will also be installed.

Linking the two floors, a new staircase and lift will form part of the listed building consent granted by the district council.

Aside from a new clocktower, the new roof looks likely to have solar panels, which would be concealed from public view.

Charles Houseago, who chairs the Bourne Town Hall Trust, said: “After a huge amount of work over seven years, and support by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we drew up detailed plans with the aim of regenerating the building, restoring its Georgian features and modernising its accessibility.

“Obtaining planning permission was one of the major milestones in the process we needed to complete, and this has allowed us to submit the full National Lottery Heritage Fund proposal for the delivery phase of the project.

“I would like to thank my fellow trustees, our band of volunteers, the architects, consultants from Heritage Lincolnshire and all those who have helped us reach this stage in our journey.”

Following the successful Heritage Lottery Heritage Fund development phase, the trust has submitted a bid for £2.8 million. If successful, the town hall will be transformed to host films, theatre productions, talks and concerts.