The City of Lincoln Council has revealed its stance on plans for the Usher Gallery in Lincoln, making the case for the building to be spared any changes.
As reported previously, Lincolnshire County Council is consulting with the public on money saving proposals which would see the gallery used as an events and wedding venue, small art space and Coroner’s Court.
The Collection would also be rebranded and given a new exhibition space to house artwork from other sites as part of a £4 million city-wide investment.
The county council argues changes would save around £750,000 a year and encourage attractions to be “self sufficient”.
City of Lincoln Council, which owns the Usher Gallery and provides a lease to the county council, has today formally responded to the heritage services review.
In a letter about the plans, the city council highlights concerns around the suggested move from it being used solely as an art gallery to a mixed service model incorporating a small gallery space, the Coroner’s Court and office space for a relocated registrar/celebratory service.
City of Lincoln Council is asking Lincolnshire County Council to explore all opportunities to retain this building as a dedicated art gallery – be that operated directly by the county council or by them in conjunction with another organisation.
Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “We believe it is important to keep the Usher Gallery for the purpose it was originally designed, remaining true to the bequest of James Usher.
“It is clear that public opinion supports this and I hope the feedback the county council receives to its public consultation will provide them with the opportunity to reflect on the wishes of various groups and individuals, and change their initial proposals, particularly in relation to the Usher Art Gallery.
“We have sympathy with the county council’s position, money is incredibly tight in local government due to massive cuts from central government. We understand savings have to be made but the Usher is an important part of the city’s cultural offer and we feel it should remain as such.”
The council also argues that the bequest from James Usher was for the creation of an art gallery derived from his donation of art, alongside a financial bequest to build a new gallery (or renovate an existing building) in which to house that art collection and attach his name to it.
“The building created is currently Grade 2* listed, a rating achieved due to it being one of only a small number of purpose built galleries remaining in the country”, they say.
The council also responded to other sections of the heritage review:
The Collection – “We welcome the potential for up to £5 million of investment in the site (subject to grant funding) to create a more flexible space. It is hoped that retaining the Usher Gallery in its current form would not negate the opportunity for The Collection to still become a supersite and enjoy the benefits as detailed in the consultation documents.”
Ellis Mill – “We note the potential transfer of this mill to a voluntary group or other delivery vehicle and look forward to receiving details in due course. As a significant asset for the city that punctuates the local skyline, we would wish to see the building kept in use and maintained.”
Museum of Lincolnshire Life – “We note it will be retained as part of the Heritage Service asset base. We would appreciate being involved in ongoing dialogue about how that site can be refreshed and updated as part of the county council’s service transformation work.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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