Gilstrap Centre set to be leased to county council

The trustees of the Gilstrap Centre, Newark, have voted to lease it to the county council.

The seven-year lease is subject to independent advice on the rent.

It is also subject to the district council at its cabinet meeeting on September 6 agreeing to the surrender of its lease of part of the premises used as a tourist information centre from March 31 2013.

The decision was taken in line with recommendations of officers by Newark and Sherwood District Council's general purposes committee sitting as trustees of the Gilstrap Centre.

They rejected Newark Town Council's offer to take over as trustees.

The recommendations were carried on a majority vote this afternoon, with only one Newark councillor, Mr Tom Bickley voting against.

The Gilstrap Centre was built as the town's first public library and is now used for exhibitions.

Campaigners have fought hard for it to remain in public use. A petition was signed by almost 3,500 people.

The county council wants to use it as a replacement register office for its premises on Baldertongate.