Rushcliffe Borough Council has signed a lease agreement with The Rock Church to manage Lutterell Hall in West Bridgford whilst the authority retains ownership of the venue.
From May 1 The Rock Church will manage day to day bookings and usage of the Hall, keeping the building open for community use with St Giles’ preschool continuing to use the base.
The new operating model will realise the shared ambitions of the community, council and local groups to attract more community activities to the Hall and provides an increased sense of community ownership and involvement of this valued asset in the town.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Simon Robinson: “We’re very pleased The Rock Church have agreed the lease that opens a new chapter for the Hall.
“Their experience of managing a venue nearby in Edwalton highlighted their suitability to also manage the Hall and as a regular hirer in the past, they are familiar with the building and its potential.
“They have a strong desire for the Hall to continue to operate as a community building and this was significant in our decision to appoint them to manage the Hall.
“The Council will retain ownership and continue dialogue with The Rock and the community on ensuring it can run as a financially sustainable community facility for local residents.”
The Rock Church have plans for extending use of the hall and are keen to work with existing user groups to secure their bookings once community buildings open from April 12 in line with central government’s COVID-19 road map.
Alistair Kent, Senior Leader of The Rock Church said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be taking on the management of the hall, especially with it being a significant building for the community in our great town.
“As well as immediately improving on the Hall’s previous offering for hirers, over time, we will also be looking to add social projects for the betterment of local people, such as children, families and the elderly.”
The Rock’s Operations Manager Sofia Lesiuk added: “Having spent many years working on community enhancement projects in Rushcliffe, it is clear that the community spirit is still very much alive here in West Bridgford.
“Lutterell Hall is not only located at the heart of West Bridgford, but also in the hearts of the local people. Many will have fond memories of the special times they have shared here and this is something we wish to see continue well into the future.”
The Council has owned the Hall in central West Bridgford for over 40 years and a public consultation was held on its future in 2019.
The option for a lease agreement was highlighted as the strongest route to provide opportunities for the Hall’s offering to grow and further involve the community and still provide the Council’s overarching support to maintain the building.