Work to refurbish Worden Hall, the centrepiece of the iconic Green Flag Award winning Worden Park will begin late March/early April following planning approval.

After being unused for over seven years resulting in the space being in a state disrepair, the exciting, ground-breaking project will see a raft of refurbishment works to the site which will see the Hall transformed into a flexible community and event space.

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The works will see refurbishment of:

• The café and adjacent store – the café will be relocated within the site with the original space transformed into a licenced bar
• The foyer – which will be upgraded as a modern inviting entrance to the new facility
• The Marsden Room – which will become a flexible space with a 200-person maximum capacity allowing for events such as weddings
• The Courtyard Hall – which will see the demolition of the conservatory and opened into a flexible function space
• The first-floor rooms – which will become flexible community events and meeting spaces
• The surrounding landscape – which will include new paving, benches and planted boarders

These plans were put forward following an extensive consultation asking people across the borough and beyond about their thoughts on the proposals for the future of the historic centrepiece of Worden Park.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets said: “This is an exciting day. With the wonderful space falling into disrepair having been abandoned for so many years, this landmark decision will now pave the way for works to begin on the project – and a new and exciting future for the park.

“Worden Park is the jewel in the crown of South Ribble and the creating of this new flexible use space will enhance this even further – putting South Ribble on the map.

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“I want to thank all of those who responded to the consultation last year, we really couldn’t have gotten to this stage without you.

“We know that so many people are passionate about this incredible building and we promise to do this right. This park, and the Hall is all of ours and I cannot wait to continue to share the progress.”

The café will be moved to temporary new location, next to the existing craft and business units, for the duration of the works. The craft business units will remain operational (subject to any covid restrictions.

Impact on the use of the park will be at an absolute minimum however, there may be some footpaths which will be out of use for the period of works. All information will be clearly stated in signage across the site.

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Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “This is a proud day for all of us, and I cannot wait to see the works begin on site.

“The Hall is set for a radical change and with that some disruption maybe caused. Please be reassured that we want the user experience of the park during the works to be unchanged as much as we can allow, and we will aim to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum.

“As always, we will keep residents up to date with everything that is going on, so please keep following us on social media and check our website for updates.”

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