Update on Village Hall development
28th of January, 2025
Background
Residents may be aware that works on the disused Pub and adjacent cottage at Old Row Barrow have been ongoing since October 2024.
As background, in Summer 2024, Barrow Parish Council managed to secure deeds for the properties (from LNT development), and secure UK Shared Prosperity Funding via Ribble Valley Borough Council to redevelop the properties for use as a Village Hall and community asset.
Redevelopment Works
Following competitive tender during the Summer of 2024, RHS Developments North Ltd was appointed by Barrow Parish Council in September 2024 as the main contractor to carry out the works.
Completion of the first Phase of the development is scheduled for 31st March 2025. This Phase will have all essential infrastructure works and the main property ground floor substantially complete.
We have plans for further phases of the work which include completion of the 1st floor rooms of the main Village Hall, external open area of the pub/cottage and the internal rooms of the adjacent cottage.
The final plans will therefore include two large Hall areas, bar facility (separated by a corridor), WCs, kitchen, outdoor area, 3 x 1st floor rooms – all fully accessible for disabled use.
However, note that the future phases and final completion are subject to Barrow Parish Council securing further funding. We have made a further funding application and we are awaiting the outcome of this, which is being considered by Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Operation of the Village Hall
In parallel with the redevelopment, Barrow Parish Council has been considering and planning for how the property will operate. Recently, we have had some residents offering their support to Council in considering how best to establish and run the Village Hall. Key things for us to consider include how we establish the operation (e.g. trust, charitable organisation), how we market the Village Hall, charge for its use and what spaces, facilities and type of use we may be able to offer. This workstream has only commenced recently and no key decisions have been made as the key focus for the Council to date has been the redevelopment works.
We now need to make progress on the operational aspects and we are seeking support from volunteers and residents. If any residents have relevant skills and experience and would like to offer support to the Council, they should write to the Clerk and provide a summary of how they could help. This may be with aspects such as organisational establishment, funding application support, marketing, caretaking, administration, maintenance of the building, ideas for its use etc.
Presently, the Village Hall final designs are being revised for the future phases and until we know the outcome of the further funding application we cannot commit to providing final plans, dates and type of use. For example, if funding for further phases is agreed, we will be seeking to finish all works prior to any significant use. Conversely, if further phases cannot be funded in the short term, we will be seeking to use the Village Hall in a limited capacity.
If residents and potential users wish to find out more they should contact any of the Councillors or the Parish Clerk. Offers of support, identifying which areas they wish to help, should be sent directly to the Parish Clerk.
Lee Street
Chair, Barrow Parish Council