Town house museum’s renovation moves step closer as cash awarded
NEW 3G PITCH AT BRIGG TOWN FC AMONG PROJECTS SUPPORTED
THE restoration and reopening of a historic town house museum in North Lincolnshire has drawn closer thanks to a new grant, with other projects in the area also being helped.
It comes thanks to the latest UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) cash handouts in the region, which replaces EU funding that was lost after Brexit.
North Lincolnshire Council has been awarded £5.5m over three years, up to 2024-25.
Baysgarth House Museum in Barton-upon-Humber and a new 3G pitch and facilities revamp at Brigg Town FC are among the latest projects to be supported.
The Ropewalk is partnering with the council on plans to renovate the museum at Baysgarth House, which is currently closed. It has been awarded £150,000 of government cash, the single largest amount in the latest UKSPF round.
The Ropewalk’s CEO, Liz Bennet, said: “The Ropewalk is delighted to be awarded £150,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as the grant brings us within touching distance of the £850,000 total required to reopen Baysgarth House Museum.
“This grant takes us to £700,000 and it is hoped further successful grant bids will see the possibility of reopening the building become a reality in the not too distant future.
“The Ropewalk is also now looking at securing funding to manage the building once it has reopened.”
“Currently there is a survey for Barton residents to fill in about what they would like to see at the museum once it has reopened,” Ms Bennet added. The survey can be accessed at www.research.net/r/Ropewalk heritage
The museum’s restoration was awarded £250,000 late last year from another government fund.
In total, over £500,000 has been awarded across 11 different projects in North Lincolnshire in the latest UKSPF round.
Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said: “This levelling up cash is benefiting so many different aspects of our diverse community, from sports clubs to play parks, as well as heritage centres and village halls.
“The money will help communities in North Lincolnshire develop, grow and flourish. This cash comes on top of previous grants that are already being used to create a new, different future for residents and visitors.”
Three sports clubs have received support, including Brigg Town FC CIC. It has been awarded £50,000 to help pay for a new 3G pitch, and community hub.
It will be a 3G pitch for 11-a-side football, expected to be open to the public by late summer 2025.
There are plans for a floodlit pitch, extension and renovation of changing rooms, and refurbishment of the clubhouse, including a new commercial kitchen.
Overall, the facilities overhaul is a £1.7m project, and the club has said key stakeholders such as the council and Football Federation are committed to making it a reality.
The new facilities at the EC Surfacing Stadium will be for community use throughout the year. The club is working closely with Brigg Town Council, local schools and voluntary groups to this end. A disability football team and walking football for the over-50s are already planned by Brigg Town.
“This is a project for Brigg and for the future,” said Brigg Town FC CIC directors Jim Huxford and Chris Faill.
“Brigg Town FC is a community facility, and we owe massive thanks to our sponsors and volunteers for their continued support. Without them we would not have such a bright future ahead.”
The £50,000 UKSPF cash will specifically help pay for its changing room pavilion’s revamp, expected for completion in March 2025. The club already has 17 junior teams. For details of how to donate towards the forthcoming developments, email officebriggtownfc@gmail.com.
Other projects awarded the government cash include:
■ North Lincolnshire Council – “Enhancing Exhibition Space” £130,000 awarded
■ Appleby Frodingham Sports and Social Club (AFSSC) – Brumby Hall changing and shower facilities upgrade £86,150
■ Barnetby Village Hall Committee – new village hall roof £30,000
■ Epworth Town Colts – changing room and community hub extension £30,000
This levelling up cash is benefiting so many different aspects of our
diverse community
Cllr Rob Waltham