RUGBEIANS will not get a discount when entry fees are introduced to the World Rugby Hall of Fame – despite the recommendations of council officers.
From the beginning of April, charges of £6 for an adult, £5 for students and senior citizens, and £3 for children will be introduced after the move was approved by Rugby Borough Council (RBC).
Council officers, who predict the charges could earn £120,000 a year, had recommended a 50 per cent discount for Rugbeians – saying it would “provide the best balance between income generation and wider economic benefits to the town centre”.
But instead, the interactive museum will allow free entry to all on regular community days – which a council spokesman suggested could occur on a monthly basis.
The council introduced the entry fees to make the Hall of Fame more attractive to group travel organisers by letting them apply a profit margin.
RBC economy and growth spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “An introduction of an entrance fee will capitalise on the group tourism trade and widen the reach of the attraction and attract more tourists to Rugby.
“We wanted the experience to be free for a period of time to enable the people of Rugby to visit and enjoy an experience that links our heritage to that of the sport – and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are very aware of how popular the Hall of Fame has been with Rugby residents and regular community days will allow residents and others to continue to visit free of charge.”
The Hall of Fame opened at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum in November and has since attracted visitors from as far afield as Canada, Australia, Japan and Dubai.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame is a partnership between Rugby Borough Council and World Rugby, the sport’s governing body. Visit www.therugbytown.co.uk/halloffame or www.worldrugby.org/halloffame to book in advance.
