Community groups invited to take on mothballed Southam venue
Community groups are to be offered the chance to bring back to life a disused public building in Southam.
The Grange Hall, Southam, was closed for repairs in autumn 2024 but a report from Stratford-on-Avon District Council – a 50/50 joint-owner of the building – states that “issues with the contractor” saw projects overrun.
During that time, joint-owners and previous operators Southam Town Council relocated and have since decided against returning.
Three options have been considered by the two authorities – selling it outright, renting it out on a commercial basis or inviting community groups to lease it.
Southam Town Council’s preference was the latter with the fallback of selling up if no suitable plans come forward, a position that the district council’s cabinet – the Liberal Democrat panel of councillors in charge of major service areas – agreed with on Monday (February 9).
Any bids will be appraised based on viability and the public benefits they offer in the line with the objectives of the two councils.
Portfolio holder for projects and communications Councillor Louis Adam (Lib Dem, Southam North & Long Itchington) expressed hope that community groups would come forward.
“I am very aware of the value Grange Hall has given to the community over the years,” he said.
“There is a keenness from the Southam community to see it used as a community asset if possible and I think it is appropriate that we explore the options given the town council’s wish to move away from it.
“My hope is that a community group does come forward to continue the running of the hall but it is prudent to include the other options.”
Chair of the district’s scrutiny panel Councillor Andy Crump (Con, Southam East, Central & Stockton) mentioned that the town council was “concerned about it not dragging on for too long”, a point that leader Councillor Susan Juned (Lib Dem, Alcester East) said would be “noted”.
“We certainly don’t want this to go on for too long,” she said.
“We have been assured that the town council has allocated two councillors to work with the clerk to make sure that is expedited.”
Councillor Malcolm Littlewood (Con, Tysoe) added: “Reading through this, there seems to be little capital gain in selling off the asset at this time.
"Getting the best use out of it would seem to be the most sensible and reasonable way forward.”