Bourne Old Town Hall revamp to start in January

A new phase of work on an old town hall could begin early next year.

The ongoing Bourne Old Town Hall project is converting the former council and magistrates’ court building in North Street, Bourne, into a community arts venue.

The project has attracted £3.3m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and trustees are now tendering for a main contractor with the intention of appointing them next month.

If all goes to plan, it is hoped work can begin in January.

Designs for how Bourne Old Town Hall should look when it is completed - estimated to be Easter 2027 - have been submitted to South Kesteven District Council planning department. The Grade II Listed building needs special consent from the council before the next phase of work starts.

During this phase the building’s clocktower, which burnt down in 1932, will be rebuilt with a replica clock face overlooking the town centre.

The upstairs 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.

The restoration will also include solar panels, a heat pump and modern insulation.

Charles Houseago, who chairs Bourne Old Town Hall Trust, has said they want to restore many of the original details of the building, which dates from 1821 and has been a courtroom and a covered market. While being used as a fire station in the 1930s a fire took hold in the roof and the original clocktower was lost.

The arts venue project began six years ago with 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.

Once the venue is fully completed it will support local heritage research and education, exhibitions, poetry, craft markets, cinema, theatre, music, comedy and talks.