Blenkin Memorial Hall Wins Prestigious Award

Blenkin Memorial Hall in Boston has been crowned a winner in the prestigious Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Awards 2024.

The recognition for the Boston Borough Council Building Control team comes after the hall underwent a significant refurbishment in 2022, with internal and external improvements carried out in keeping with the heritage of the building.

Now the hall, which dates back to 1893, has been named the regional winner in the best non-residential extension, alteration or conversion category in the awards which celebrate local authority building control excellence in projects.

Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture, said: "The refurbishment of Blenkin Memorial Hall is a shining example of how we can honour our past while adapting historic buildings to meet the needs of the present community. This award is a testament to the dedication and care taken to preserve the hall's rich heritage, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Boston's cultural landscape for generations to come. Congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable project."

This is the second award that the hall has won since work completed on the refurbishment. Viridis Building Services Ltd, the Mechanical Engineering specialists who worked on the restoration and development of the hall, won the Development Project of the Year (under £5million) at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction & Property Awards 2024

The redevelopment of Blenkin Memorial Hall was made possible by £810,000 in investment from the Towns Fund as well as match funding to provide a multi-functional space for the community.

Jo Brigham, Chair of Boston Town Board which oversees the £21.9M Towns Fund programme in Boston said: "It is great to see the hall recognised with this award, which reflects the high quality and sympathetic refurbishment work that has been carried out.

"The Towns Fund investment has enabled this historic building to be transformed and brought back into use so that it can thrive as a community hub for all.

"Congratulations to Boston Borough Council for receiving this award in recognition of the role they have played in delivering this fantastic project for Boston."

Since reopening its doors in 2023, the hall has seen significant use by the local community, and provides a dedicated space for the Parish of Boston's growing song school.

The hall, which was officially opened in September 2023 by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is open for hire for groups and organisations who want to make use of its flexible space. 

Chris Ladner, Resources Manager, for the Parish of Boston commented: "It is great to see the work on Blenkin Memorial Hall recognised with another award. Congratulations to all involved on this recognition."

"The refurbishment of the hall has emabled us to provide a community hub in the heart of Boston for the whole community to use."

The Blenkin Memorial Hall has a hall and office space which can be hired on a hourly/daily rate. To find out more please contact adam.kelk@parishofboston.co.uk or call the Parish Office via (01205) 310929.