Big step forward as Ludlow Assembly Rooms to undergo major facelift

Cabinet members approved a report recommending the council enter into a new 125-year lease to Ludlow and District Community Association Limited (LAR).

A 50-year lease agreed in 1992 saw LAR take on 74 per cent of the venue, but the new lease covers 100 per cent.

A report put to cabinet said: "There has been the desire to transfer the Ludlow Assembly Rooms to LAR for many years.

"Two issues have previously prevented the transfer to date, namely modernising and putting the building into a good state of repair and secondly the lack of capital funding to redevelop the ground floor section of the building which fronts onto Castle Square to include a new box office and café."

The new lease comes after two significant investments were offered by the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England.

The council's deputy leader, Councillor Steve Charmley, said: "This allows us to do something that has been needed for a really long time.

"It is a positive step for Ludlow and a positive step for this council."

Structural repairs

The ERDF grant funded project of £1.34 million has been awarded to the council for the modernisation of the mechanical and electrical equipment within the building, with work due for completion by June 2019.

This is made up of more than £803,000 of ERDF Approved Funding, with £50,000 match funding from LAR and £485,802 from Shropshire Council.

Shropshire Council will also contribute up to £250,000 towards necessary structural repairs to the roof and fabric of the building.

Arts Council England has offered £350,000 towards a £615,000 redesign of the ground floor, to create a new box office and café.

The difference will be made up by £100,000 from LAR reserves, £135,000 from fundraising and a £30,000 donation.

Council leader Peter Nutting said: "I think it is a real opportunity for the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow to establish itself as the major cultural venue in South Shropshire."