Arts Centre’s boost to community

GAINSBOROUGH’S Trinity Arts Centre is set to launch a new plan to improve its facilities and services for the community.

Daytime community use of the centre is to be developed and will see the artistic programme focusing on its most successful events.

Members of West Lindsey District Council’s Prosperous Communities Committee have agreed to a 12 month programme which will provide one film or live show a week.

The council says that this will allow time for community use to be developed which could include community IT provision, a café, dance and drama workshops and other services identified in partnership with local stakeholders.

A survey conducted by the council has shown that local people see the former Holy Trinity Church as an asset but don’t use it and now councillors say they want to see it developed as a hub for public services.

Alongside these changes, essential repairs to the roof of the building will need to take place and a new boiler will be fitted. This work will be carried out between January-March, during which the council will be working to refine the artistic programme and develop the community uses of the building.

Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee Coun Malcolm Parish said: “The current proposal is a real winner because it allows us to continue the artistic programme at a realistic price, it develops much needed community facilities in the Trinity Street area and it means that the auditorium remains intact and can be hired by very popular local groups including the Gainsborough Amateur Operatic Society.”

Council leader Burt Keimach said he supported the proposals which will see the council’s commitment to the venue decrease from £160,000 this year to £130,000 next year.

“We will also be reviewing which shows and films we book because it is clear from our survey of audience attendance figures that whilst the local dance and drama performances are popular, attracting around 90 per cent occupancy and often selling out, other ventures have been very poorly supported,” said Coun Keimach.

“I believe we have taken the right decision because we will now be able to support the community and reduce costs.”

He added: “When you add this to the very strong likelihood that we will shortly be able to announce the imminent arrival of another entertainment venue in Gainsborough then the argument becomes irresistible.”