Investment is needed to safeguard the future of the South Holland Centre, says a senior councillor.

South Holland District Council was due to publish a business plan for the Spalding theatre last year – but now councillors have seen a strategic plan.

The Market Place venue has faced a number of financial challenges over the last year.

But Coun Tracey Carter, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said it is ‘crucial’ that authority looks to invest in the centre.

Coun Carter said: “The South Holland Centre is a hub for both residents and visitors in the district, with our hard working team organising a great and varied selection of both shows and films for people to enjoy.

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“It’s fantastic that we are able to bring popular names and acts to Spalding and that local audiences often turn out in great numbers to see them, but the centre also plays an important role in supporting our local talented performers through community productions and giving opportunities to those at the start of their careers.

“With this in mind it’s crucial we look to invest in the centre to safeguard it for many years to come.

“A strategic plan for the ongoing improvement and development of the South Holland Centre was recently submitted to councillors for feedback.

“We will share more details as they become available.”

Earlier this year, we reported that the centre ended up costing £124,000 more than budgeted last year – with falling film ticket sales partly to blame.

The budget was for a council subsidy of £289,793 for 2022/23 but that ended up being £414,041.

Income was down by £41,224 on projections, trading expenses were £65,396 higher and salary costs were £36,908 more than predicted.

The centre has a packed programme ahead with big names such as Love Island’s Iain Stirling, rock n roll man Shaun Ryder. The sellout show Is It Me Or Is It Hot In Here? by Spalding’s Zeph Churchill will be a boost for the future of the centre

The success of last year’s pantomime brought by Spalding company Polka Dot will hopefully be as popular this year with Beauty and The Beast.