Lavenham tourist information centre's future secured after councils agree building ownership transfer
The future of Lavenham’s under-threat tourist information centre (TIC) building has at last been secured, after proposals to transfer its ownership to the parish council were given the green light.
Babergh District Council’s cabinet agreed at a meeting earlier this month to hand over the freehold of the TIC building in Lady Street, which was earmarked for closure at the end of next month, at the conclusion of the current tourism season.
Preparations are now under way to begin operating the facility, under the new identity of Lavenham Information Centre, from Monday, December 3.
The parish council confirmed it is in the process of setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC) to run the outlet, and it hopes to make it accessible all year, rather than adhering to tourism seasons as before.
It is also in discussions with the Post Office to establish a branch there, as the village currently relies on a mobile service.
Carroll Reeve, chairman of Lavenham Parish Council, told the Free Press that the new ownership agreement is great news for the village, given the uncertainty the centre faced back in the spring, when the initial plans for closure and potential staff redundancies were first announced.
“Things are now looking on the up for the centre,” he said. “They are starting to look very favourable.
“Most residents I have spoken to are pleased, primarily that we are finding a permanent home for the post office. We are having a great dialogue with the Post Office to get services set up there.
“We are also looking at how visitor information will be promoted. We would like to extend the holiday season and make a broader offer to visitors.
“Traditionally, it has been a closed season after Christmas up until Easter, but we want to offer a service all year round.”
Cllr Reeve added that feedback had been positive at two public information events this month, and the council is now advertising for a paid part-time manager, who will oversee a team of volunteers at the centre.
Following the approval of the freehold transfer, Frank Lawrenson, Babergh’s cabinet member for assets and investments, said: “We are delighted to transfer the property closer to the community it serves.
“This will help boost local involvement, for the benefit of both residents and the local economy.
“Transferring the freehold ownership of the property in Lady Street to the parish council will give the community greater control over a key community asset, allowing decisions to be made on the ground.
“It will also give them the ability to directly put in place initiatives to ensure future developments meet what the locality requires.
“The parish council will have the ability to maintain the visitor information element, with the potential of adding additional services which will directly benefit residents and develop the area’s visitor needs.
“I’m sure this will be warmly welcomed by villagers, and we look forward to seeing the community flourish further.”
