Victoria Hall’s Future to be Debated by Oakham Town Council at its meeting to be held on Wednesday 10th September at 6.30pm

Victoria Hall’s Future to be Debated by Oakham Town Council

The future of Victoria Hall in Oakham is on the agenda for tomorrow's Oakham Town Council meeting at 6:30 PM. Facing serious financial instability and an uncertain future, the Hall's trustees have expressed their struggle to maintain operations. This has prompted discussions about a possible transfer of stewardship to Oakham Town Council, a move that is met with both support and opposition.

A Call for a Consultant: Cllr Paul Ainsley's Proposal

Councillor Paul Ainsley is proposing the council hire a specialist consultant to guide a potential takeover of Victoria Hall, aiming for a completion by December 2025. Ainsley argues the council has a "clear responsibility to safeguard Victoria Hall as a public asset" and believes a consultant is crucial to protect the council from "reputational, legal, and financial exposure." The proposed budget for the consultant's engagement is proposed to be capped at £10,000.

Cllr Ainsley says:

The consultant's role would be to:

Identify key risks and outline a phased, costed takeover plan.

Recommend governance structures that protect the council's interests.

Lead inclusive stakeholder engagement and support business planning and funding strategies.

Provide a feasibility report and a strategic transition plan.

Cllr Ainsley says this is not just about saving a building but "protecting Oakham Town Council and fulfilling our civic duty." He stresses that any financial implications, including business rates, must be clearly understood and managed responsibly.

A Disputed Responsibility: Cllr Martin Brookes' Opposition

Councillor Martin Brookes disputes the idea that the Town Council has a clear responsibility to safeguard Victoria Hall. He believes this duty lies with the current Trustees, who, in his opinion, have "failed to maintain and safeguard the asset they have been trusted to look after." Cllr Brookes points out that Victoria Hall is not public property but is held in trust for the benefit of Rutland’s agricultural community, with the wider community allowed to use it for its to assist with the cost of its upkeep.

Cllr Brookes expressed his disappointment after reading reports submitted to the Charity Commission where the Trustees stated that property maintenance was not a priority. They have a maintenance plan but only carry out maintenance after they have paid for other things, He does not believe Oakham residents should have to "foot the bill for the Trustees failings." He is also critical of the Trustees’ suggestion that if the Town Council becomes the sole trustee, an advisory committee of the current trustees should be established. In his opinion, all current trustees should step down and not advise the Town Council. He says they have failed in many ways from the stewardship of their income to the essential maintenance of the building.  

The Trustee's Perspective: A Historical Asset in Crisis

The Victoria Hall Trustees acknowledge the Hall's urgent need for renovation. Built in 1858 as the Agricultural Hall, it has a long history of serving Oakham, adapting over time while retaining its Grade II listed architectural character. It has recently hosted significant community events, including a BBC Radio 4 "Any Questions?" broadcast and Oakham Pride’s Masquerade Ball, demonstrating its continued relevance.

However, the building is suffering from years of wear, limited accessibility, and outdated infrastructure. This has led to a lack of sustained public use and, consequently, a financial crisis. A discussion paper for the council meeting reveals that it is "financially unviable" for the Trustees to continue running the hall as an independent charity. The Hall is now operating at a cashflow deficit, with staffing costs mentioned as the highest expense. The Trustees are now hoping that the option of Oakham Town Council taking over the running of the hall can be pursued. Without intervention, there is a "real risk that the building may need to be repurposed, potentially losing its civic and cultural role altogether."