As part of the Council’s contribution to commemorating Mayflower 400, an agreement to rent the house of the Mayflower Captain (Christopher Jones) was agreed with the owner. This was originally due to last until the end of 2020, but due to the global pandemic was eventually extended until the end of 2022.
With the current agreement ending on the 31st January 2024, the tenants have requested an extension to the lease, this extension will allow the attraction to remain open to the public and to retain it as a tourist attraction in Harwich. Furthermore it will enable the current tenants the time to raise funds should there be appetite to keep the attraction open after this extension date.
Funding has been identified to secure the lease for a four month duration, this will expire on the 31st May 2024, when a review will take place on the future and further funding identified to extend to the 31st October 2024. This will cost £5,000 and will ensure that the house can remain open as a visitor attraction.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration has concurred with the Assistant Director of Economic Growth and Leisure to extend the existing lease on the house of Christopher Jones initially by 4 months to 31st May 2024, when a review will take place on the future and funding identified to extend to 31st October 2024. This will cost £5,000 and will ensure that the house can remain open as a visitor attraction.

Option 1 - To extend the lease of Captain Christopher Jones House to 31st May 2024.
Option 2 - To not extend the lease and close the house as a visitor attraction. Due to the attraction still forming part of a key offer to international and inbound tourists, it has been determined to remain open and consider its future use.