A
social enterprise group has received more than £300,000 to turn a
listed building into a food bank.

Community
Solutions North West (CSNW) has been awarded government funding to
transform the Grade II-listed Elmfield Hall into an environmentally
efficient community facility.

Plans for
the vacant building in Gatty Park, Accrington, also include providing
befriending and training activities, a cafe and toilet facilities for
park users. The second phase of the work will also see the provision
of a small number of affordable residential flats.

The
building was originally constructed in about 1850 and was home to
local chemical manufacturers the Gatty family.

Over the
years it has had a number of uses including a community centre and
flats.

CSNW, which
is based on Cannon Street in Accrington, said they are currently in
talks with Hyndburn council about the ‘very exciting project’ and
hope it will provide ‘increased community support’ in the town.

Mark Hirst,
of CSNW, said: “Once the technical details have been decided we
will have more information about the project.

“CSNW is
an innovative social enterprise. We specialise in identifying and
offering a range of community support. We are committed to offering
hope and opportunity to local people.”

Hyndburn
council confirmed talks are ongoing with Community Solutions North
West.

Elmfield
Hall is among 17 buildings across the country to benefit from a £5.5
million boost to help them reopen to the public or improve their
existing use.

The
Department for Communities and Local Government’s community assets
fund, managed by the Social Investment Business Group, will pay for
repairs, refurbishment and create local jobs.

Minister
for Communities, Stephen Williams, said: “The helping hand we are
offering will help these schemes get off the ground and provide
inspiration for other communities to follow suit.”

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