THE Parish of St Martin has unveiled plans to restore an “unloved” barn into a new community space.
The renovation project, which is estimated to cost between £750,000 and £1 million, would see the eighteenth-century building, which sits opposite St Martin’s Public Hall, hosting a range of community activities and events, if plans are approved.
The parish plans to launch a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of the redevelopment and is interested in hearing from “potential benefactors”.
The Grade Three listed building is currently unused, “unloved”, and in a “poor state of repair”, according to a statement released by the parish, which said it posed a “considerable risk” if nothing is done to improve it.
Under plans, the building would be repurposed and modernised to become a two-storey multi-purpose facility, which could host exercise classes, meetings and other group activities.
The ground floor would become an “adaptable” space with toilets and a kitchenette.
The upper floor would become another flexible space with a vaulted ceiling and a store.
A double-height glass entrance foyer and lift access also form part of the plans.
“Unused” grassland to the north of the building would also become a “beautiful” landscaped garden, with paths, vegetable and herb boxes, an orchard and a seating area.
The potential price tag of £1m also accounts for making the roof watertight and floor safe to use, according to the parish. The original timber will be kept in place “where possible”, the plans state.
Following the publication of the plans, Constable of St Martin Karen Stone explained how they will benefit the parish: “In recent years we have worked hard to establish a range of community facilities within the very heart of our parish.
“This latest project will further build upon this endeavour, as the sympathetic restoration of this historic granite barn will provide a flexible space which can be used for a variety of community events.”
St Martin had previously secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the barn for storage purposes.
However, parish authorities are “keen for the building to deliver community benefit and maximise the potential of the barn”.
A spokesperson for St Martin said the plans were an “important opportunity” to develop community facilities in the parish, in close proximity to the Public Hall.
