A dilapidated Grade II listed building in Accrington is set for a £49,000 makeover to turn it into a Community Hub.
The former stable block at Elmfield Hall, in Gatty Park, will feature a kitchen and training space that will be available for community groups around the Hyndburn area to use for various activities.
Deborah Clark, managing director of Community Solutions North West, said: “A lot of what we do is focused around employment so the training kitchen will be used by people who are looking to get back into employment and improve their skills, and young people so they can learn to cook fresh, healthy meals.
“There will also be a classroom environment that will be available for community groups to use.”
Grants from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Newground Together have helped to make Community Solutions North West Ltd’s plans into a reality and add to the range of services provided from their base.
Peter Jordan, Newground Together’s executive director, said: “Newground Together’s remit is to help community-based projects. This project ticked all the boxes and we are glad to support it with funding.
“This project will help to provide badly-needed employment and training opportunities as well as community spaces into what is, statistically speaking, a deprived community.
“We look forward to seeing the renovations being completed and Elmfield Hall become an important and valued community facility.”
Deborah Clark added: “We are delighted to be working with Newground Together and Lancashire Environmental Fund.
“Once renovated the facility will be used to support our Community Connections group programme and will be an additional venue for local community groups.
“The aim of the initiative is to reduce social isolation, improve health and wellbeing and develop opportunities for volunteering, training and employment.
“We are thrilled to be starting renovations to bring the facility back into community use in order to make a positive difference.”
Andy Rowett, fund manager for Lancashire Environmental Fund, said: “The Fund is pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile community resource.”
The work is due to be completed in the Autumn.
