A number of changes are being proposed for the use of St Martins House Conference Centre, Leicester, over the coming months.
These plans are intended to increase the financial contribution that our commercial activities make towards maintaining the wider mission and ministry of the diocese and come in response to our current operating deficits.
As you may be aware, these deficits amounted to over £2 million across the diocese last year, with a similar amount anticipated in 2024, and are a result of recent high inflation that has not been matched by a corresponding increase in parish contributions, which is our principal source of income.
We are therefore sorry to announce the proposed closure of the Christian Resources Shop at St Martins House.
Statutory Consultations have begun with those staff affected and, if confirmed, the shop will close at the end of September.
More positively, in response to the growing demand for our conferencing facilities, we will be rearranging and repurposing rooms within the building - along with the current shop space - to accommodate more income-generating external bookings.
This potential rise in income will go some way towards protecting front-line parish ministries.
We will also be making changes to access and reception arrangements in St Martins House and St Martins Lodge.
The proposed plans mean we will no longer have reception staff working in the foyer area of St Martins House on a regular basis and the building will not be so freely open to casual visitors as it currently is, but an effective system for access will be put in place for those working, visiting, and attending events here.
These rearrangements will improve our guest experience, making it easier for Lodge residents to check in and out without having to go to St Martins House.
We are also pleased that the Cathedral’s new Heritage and Learning Centre is scheduled for opening in November, as we refocus activities and welcome in the Cathedral Quarter.
We are deeply sorry that it is necessary to make changes that will have a direct impact on some staff, and everyone who works at, or visits the building.
However, the trustees have regrettably concluded that keeping things as they are is not sustainable and these changes are part of a series of measures we’re making to balance the budget, so we can continue to maintain mission and ministry across the diocese.
It is planned that these changes will be implemented by the end of 2024, and we will continue to share news and progress as things develop.
We are thankful to God for the valuable ministry and service offered by our Christian Resources shop over many years, and sad that it is no longer sustainable in the light of the diocese’s financial challenges.
We invite your prayers for all those affected by these changes.