COUNCIL bosses have defended what they call ‘fair’ rent rises for tenants at Elsecar Heritage Centre but ‘suffering’ businesses feel they’re being priced out.
The council is currently hosting a consultation on the historic site in a bid to help shape its future.
Elsecar Heritage Centre is made up of old workshops and buildings from the 1800s.
These places show the history of ironwork, rail and coal mining in the area.
It still houses the Newcomen Beam Engine, one of the oldest steam engines in the world still in its original location.
As well as a visitor centre and trails, the historic buildings house a range of independent shops, artists, studios, cafes, a pub and an antiques centre.
The council say the area is ‘thriving’ - but an anonymous worker at the site told the Chronicle this is not the case.
And after the council announced rent rises for tenants, they feel it’s only going to get harder.
They said: “The renovation work at the site started last year and since then all the events have just stopped.
“Everyone’s profit has probably halved.
“The issue is still ongoing now.
“Now they’re saying they’re wanting to increase rent by two or three times what it is.
“Everyone’s struggling and this is making it worse.”
They added that some businesses at the site could end up selling up due to the concerns.
“It’s really hard because of the lack of events,” they said.
“It’s a really good asset to the town.
“If the work was finished then it would all be going well but it’s not.
“It beggars belief that they’re going to raise the rent when it’s like it is now.
“I know some businesses are looking to sell.”
The council say that there is no flat increase for the rent rise and the level of uplift will vary from tenant to tenant based on the date of the last rent review.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, told the Chronicle that the rise is ‘fair’ and in line with similar venues.
He added: “We’ve carried out rent reviews at Elsecar Heritage Centre, as it has been many years since the last rent increase across the site.
“We’re making sure that charges remain fair and in line with the current market and we’ve based them on careful comparison with other similar venues, and other buildings we run.
“We’ve also kept tenants informed throughout this process and for most businesses, we’ve given an extended notice period, rather than the statutory one, to allow tenants more time to plan.
“Whilst we understand the pressures on businesses, the costs involved in running the centre, such as utilities, staffing, and maintenance, have increased significantly.
“We have a responsibility to manage our finances well, get best value from the buildings we run, and protect this significant historic landmark for the future.
“We understand that some tenants feel frustrated at the ongoing works at Elsecar Heritage Centre.
‘Whilst there has been some reduction in events onsite whilst building and drainage works are taking place, works are being scheduled to keep impact for visitors and businesses to a minimum.
‘Footfall has remained strong and we have met several milestones such as opening the new visitor centre.
‘Exciting plans are already underway for the re-opening of our event spaces on site this summer when the current works are complete.
‘These works are essential to ensure the long-term success of the site.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation can do so online.
