Stockyard events space 'not a realistic alternative for the fantastic current provision' says Melton MP

The MP for Melton & Syston has suggested that the suggestions that the proposed Stock Yard event could replace Melton Theatre are 'not a realistic alternative for the fantastic current provision'.

It comes after Loughborough College Group announced plans to sell the Melton site earlier this month after it declined three offers on the table by local groups and organisations including one from the Discovery Trust to turn the site in to a post-16 SEND education facility.

Mr Argar believes that no final decusion should be rushed in regards to the sale of Melton Theatre. Photo: Supplied

Mr Argar called upon the group at the time to ensure sufficient time was given to work up a robust plan and still believes it's vital that no final decision is rushed.

He said: "We all know just how important the town’s theatre is to the community, and since the Loughborough College Group launched its consultation in the autumn on the future of the Melton Campus, I’ve met and spoken with many of those trying to put forward a proposal to save it, most recently at a very constructive meeting last week, and again this week. 

I met Loughborough College Group’s CEO back in October about the future of the site, and in my initial formal response to their consultation called on the College Group to ensure they gave sufficient time to work up robust, practical proposals, rather than rushing to a decision. I still believe it is vital no final decision is rushed.

And back in mid-November I wrote to the Loughborough College Group expressing my support for the outline proposal by the Discovery Trust & CIC, that would see the site used to deliver post-16 SEND education, other skills and career support, save the theatre, and which would work with other interested groups to work up a robust joint proposal, and to LCC calling on them to commission the necessary additional SEND places."

On Wednesday Melton Borough Council issued an update on the proposed changes to the Stock Yard project to be put before cabinet next week including a 'cultural space' at the site to replace the theatre.

Mr Argar added: "Suggestions the Stockyard events space could replace the theatre are sadly simply not a realistic alternative for the fantastic current provision; but I believe the proposal by the Discovery Trust and other partners genuinely does offer a positive and constructive way forward. My call to the Loughborough College Group, whose Board are the ultimate decision-makers, is to not shut the door on it, but to continue to engage with the proposal, and with the DfE, to get it to a point where they can accept it.

As always, I will work with all those keen to save the theatre and to improve SEND provision locally, irrespective of Party politics, and with the community, to do all I can to help support this exciting proposal. It is the least we can all do to try to save the theatre and improve SEND provision in Melton Mowbray.”

The sale of the Melton site is also to include Melton Library building as confirmed by Loughborough College Group last week.

A spokesperson from Leicestershire County Council said: "“We are in ongoing discussions with the Loughborough College Group on the long-term future of Melton Library, located on their Melton campus under a long-term lease agreement, and we hope this dialogue will lead to a positive outcome.”

The Stock Yard plans will be put before a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday 17th December at 4:30pm.

Loughborough College Group is inviting new expressions of interest and comprehensive proposals that clearly demonstrate sustainability, community benefit, and financial viability. To submit your proposal, please email meltoncampus@loucoll.ac.uk.