A Victorian Coach House located on Hurst Grange Park has moved one step closer to regeneration.

Owner of the Penwortham building, South Ribble Borough Council, is to make an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding to restore the building.

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This follows a successful bid by the Friends of Hurst Grange Park Coach House Restoration Project, which was awarded £15,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to conduct an in depth study into how the building can be redeveloped for community use.

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Consultants, Taylor Armitt, with experience of the regeneration of old buildings, conducted an extensive survey of local residents, park users and local groups.

This presented a number of options before two consultation sessions were staged for the public to vote on their preferred option.

This could see the creation of a heritage-based community facility including meeting rooms, exhibition areas, a cafe and public toilets.

Externally, the 1960’s built garages will be demolished to restore the front of the building as originally built, creating an area for events and outdoor activities.

Boundary walls will be rebuilt near the rear of the building to create a courtyard with former outbuildings being restored to provide storage facilities.

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Also proposed is the provision of lighting through the park, making the building suitable for year round use.

Chairman of the Friends of Hurst Grange Coach House Restoration Project, John Fazackerly, said: “This news is very welcome. The building’s current condition severely restricts public access and presents rather an eyesore on what is otherwise a very attractive park.

“This can only enhance the facilities the park offers to residents and visitors alike as well as protecting a locally important historic building for future generations. Provision of public toilets is especially welcome as there are no such facilities in Penwortham at the moment”.

The building is currently used by the Friends of Hurst Grange Park and for numerous events each year, however repairs to the roof, new windows, provision of a heating system and new flooring are required to make it fit for regular use.

The Council have earmarked £50,000 towards restoration costs while the Friends of Hurst Grange Park have raised £17,000 through events, donations and its ‘Buy a Brick’ appeal.

To support its application the Council is asking for letters of support from individuals and groups who would like to use the building when the work is completed.

These can be sent to SRBC Neighbourhood Services via the email info@southribble.gov.uk.

Results of the bid will be known early in 2019.

Do you live in Penwortham? What do you think about the plans for the Coach House? Let us know in the comments below