Old Bourne Town Hall Regeneration
Bourne Town Hall Trust is a volunteer-led charity (1176315) set up in 2017 with the ambition of restoring Bourne's Old Town Hall into an exciting and vibrant Arts and Entertainment Venue. Since then, our Trustees and volunteers have worked tirelessly to develop the plans working with the community and a wider professional team.
Building and Need
Bourne Old Town Hall is a striking classical Georgian Grade II building designed by a celebrated Lincolnshire architect. With a prominent location at the heart of Bourne, it was described by Pevsner as the town's 'most impressive civic building'.
Over its 200-year history the building has met the town's needs as a town hall, fire station, covered market, magistrates court and, most recently, local authority offices.
Built in 1821 on land originally donated by the Marquis of Exeter and with additional capital raised from 123 local subscribers - it is a fantastic example of early crowdfunding and community support, however today the building has lost is day-to-day use and has stood empty since 2014.
BTHT wish to breathe life back into the building again. Placing it back at the heart of our community, our town, offering culture, heritage and arts events that benefit all residents, users, volunteers and visitors to our town.
Progress To Date
Our contractor took over the site in February 2026 with the re-opening of the finished building currently expected in mid-2027.
Vision
Our vision is that Bourne Town Hall will become a vibrant and permanent Arts and Entertainment Venue.
- check_circleThe Grade II listed building will be restored and provide two multi-purpose spaces, each with their own unique and distinct character.
- check_circleThe Shambles on the ground floor, will become a multi-purpose events space - a flexible, social and safe space with wooden tables and seating, which can be used for small live music and talks, workshop, smaller performances and recitals, pre-event drinks etc. This space can also be rearranged as wider community space for craft, seasonal markets and, with the arched doors open, it complements the adjacent thriving town market just outside.
- check_circleThe larger first floor former Courtroom, with its viewing gallery and high ceilings, offers a very different feel. Equipped with retractable seating for up to c80, the space can be used in a variety of ways. With the seats in place, it offers a small intimate auditorium for cinema, music, comedy, small theatrical productions, lectures, summer theatre workshops. When retracted, the large multi-purpose room can be used for exhibitions, performances in the round, standing performances, receptions, and table sales.
- check_circleThe front entrance of the Old Town Hall will be reopened and will have welcoming foyer and reception.
- check_circleThe kitchenette and licenced bar will be updated and toilets and accessible toilets provided.
- check_circleA lift to the first-floor foyer and Courtroom space will be installed as well as a platform lift to the stage.
- check_circleThe first floor will provide office and volunteer space and a Retiring Room for performers which will also be used as a Heritage Hub.
- check_circleA Community Activity Plan has also been created that celebrates its history and engages existing and new audiences with the building and Bourne as a community.
- check_circleNew jobs will be created with a Centre Manager and Activities Co-ordinator as well as a host of volunteering opportunities.
