No answers for Floral Hall future
QUESTIONS over the future of Grimsby's Floral Hall remain unanswered as discussions between council and Institute bosses continue.
As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education are "holding discussions" over the lease of the Hall at People's Park.
The facility, which houses exotic plants and animals, is owned by the council and leased out to the college for horticultural studies.
The college has already handed back the running of the café to NELC, which will run it temporarily until a permanent lease-holder is found.
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Neither the council or the institute will comment on what will happen to the current employees – thought to be four people – but confirmed there will be "new staff".
The exact cost of the Floral Hall's lease has also been withheld, however it is thought it takes £40,000 to run the special heated room alone.
Residents fear the Hall – which they describe as "a gem in North East Lincolnshire's crown" – will close and want answers as to what is going to happen.
A council spokesman said: "Following discussions with the Institute, we are exploring options for the future operation of the Floral Hall to ensure it continues to remain open to the public. As soon as the options have been thoroughly evaluated, we will make a formal announcement."
Comments
by Cherry23
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 12:07AM
“It's a shame that it doesn't stick to its advertised opening times. The other week on a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon we sat outside the entrance and watched couple after couple, family after family walk away unhappy as the place had closed a good hour before it should have.
I agree with the thoughts about the students, they do a grand job as do their tutors. It's a shame that it's in danger of closing.”
by Stewstew
Saturday, July 30 2011, 11:20AM
“inmeoffice. You have a lot of time on your hands, if you could do a better job than these 'kids' then put that time to some practical use, personally, I think the students do an excellent job not just at Peoples Park but outside the institute too.”
by smoker
Friday, July 29 2011, 11:11AM
“Start selling plants to help make it pay it's way. Garden centres in the area seem to be doing well.”
by crazy_council
Friday, July 29 2011, 10:03AM
“This is such a bad move
There is no place for miles that you can visit for free and see tem type of plants, I have been takeing my kids there for years. 3 million plus spent on that park over the past few years yet the council can not see the sence in maintaining the wages of a few people that are only really paid rates just above volunteers.
weres a certan councilor now, alway jumping on the bandwaggon about the park ward. Your silence is noted”
by Kloii
Friday, July 29 2011, 12:39AM
“I wonder where these trained expert adults you speak of will come from? Maybe they will be previous college trainees. What a thoroughly daft and unthought through comment.”
by Andi62
Thursday, July 28 2011, 12:50PM
“Those kids as you put it, and their tutor worked very hard on The Floral Hall.”
by inmeoffice
Thursday, July 28 2011, 9:51AM
“It's to be hoped that the Council finds someone to replace the kids and do the job properly - it would be a tragedy if it was closed down.”
by Banned
Thursday, July 28 2011, 9:11AM
“If the Floral Hall or the Cafe are closed then the Council should reject any further planning or license application from the College. Peoples Park is a lovely place to go since the improvements have been made, and part of that reason is the Cafe and the Floral Hall.
I went to the Floral Hall at the weekend and it looks as though it is winding down to closure. There only animals there are Rabbits, so I'm assuming the others have been moved to new homes.
It would seem that we have gone from the extravagant spending of the unmentionable previous principle to the draconian cuts and hard line rule making of the present principle. I completely understand that belts need to be tightened, but when the college has given itself a brief to become so heavily involved in the community the promises and responsibilities it took on should be followed through.”