We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Heritage Network member Spilsby Sessions House and East Lindsey District Council, who have successfully secured more than £1 million of Heritage at Risk funding from Historic England for vital repairs at Spilsby Sessions House.
This funding success represents a significant milestone in preserving one of Lincolnshire’s most important cultural assets. The Grade II listed building, originally constructed in 1827 as a sessions house and jail before its conversion into a theatre in 1984, has been on the Theatres at Risk register since 2015.
The Historic England grant will fund essential conservation works including major roof repairs and brickwork restoration throughout the building, as well as the repair and replacement of windows. The funding builds upon the £4.929 million of UK Government funding already secured through the partnership between East Lindsey District Council and Spilsby Sessions House Charity. Together, these funds will transform the Sessions House into a vibrant cultural hub that serves both as a venue for arts and culture and as a vital community space for daytime activities.
Community Impact and Heritage Value
As Councillor Graham Marsh noted, this project represents far more than building restoration – it’s an investment in the Lincolnshire Wolds and a commitment to bringing new life to a structure that has been a key part of the community for nearly two centuries. The Sessions House’s revival will enhance cultural offerings not just for Spilsby but for the wider region.
The project exemplifies the transformative power of heritage preservation, demonstrating how historic buildings can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary community needs while respecting their architectural and cultural significance.
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, praised the project’s potential to “breathe new life” into the space and create new opportunities for local people. “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
An Exciting Future for Spilsby Sessions House
Bruce Knight, Spilsby Sessions House Trustee, said: “With the confirmation of this Historic England grant alongside the government funding already successfully secured by East Lindsey District Council, the community will now begin to see Spilsby’s Sessions House actually receiving the much needed repair its historic fabric needs.
“Historic England have supported the project in earlier stages, and we are thrilled to see their support continue. This not only demonstrates their desire to preserve the heritage site, but it is also a recognition of support for our plans to revive and relaunch the building as a cultural facility.
“Supported by the Theatres Trust ‘Resilient Theatres – Resilient Communities’ programme, our work on early stage planning for opening up the venue has already begun and over the next eighteen months we will be seeking to continue to fund the essential planning and preparation work and will also be seeking funds for final fit out costs.
“Thanks to Historic England and East Lindsey District Council, we can proceed with the knowledge that the crucial, fundamental building work will be well underway.”
This project stands as an inspiring example of how heritage can drive community regeneration, cultural enrichment, and economic growth – values that lie at the heart of the Heritage Network’s mission.
The Heritage Network celebrates the achievements of our members in rescuing, restoring and reusing our built heritage across the UK.
Image credit: Credit Spilsby Session House
