Turning a beautiful old building into a modern, welcoming community space is no small feat — especially when that building is Grade II listed.
Every decision has to balance preservation with purpose. Can we install insulation without losing original features? Can modern lighting be fitted without damaging 19th-century beams?
The process included countless planning applications, fundraising campaigns, and a few creative workarounds. Local tradespeople, architects, heritage officers, and volunteers all played their part.
There were surprises too — like discovering original station signage hidden behind plasterboard. Or realising that some of the bricks were handmade by local workers over a century ago.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and even prouder that the work was shaped by the people who use the space. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours — and it’s alive again!
