A South Lakes village hall has been given the go-head for a major revamp.
Satterthwaite Parish Room, owned and managed by trustees as a registered charity, has been serving the community for 143 years.
The trustees said the hall, which has elaborate architectural features, including arched and leaded windows, an internal gallery and eye-catching roof truss details, needed significant upgrades to secure its future and increase energy efficiency.
The hall hosts events including fitness classes, crafting, music, local interest groups, children’s parties and social gatherings.
After an initial round of fundraising, assisted by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, Sir John Fisher Foundation, Westmorland & Furness Council, Lakeland Ltd and Rawdon Smith Trust, trustees were able to embark on initial survey and design work with Cartmel-based JCA Architects.
Proposals include significant upgrades to the buildings’ thermal efficiency, solar panels on the roof, batteries, rebuilt accessible toilets and a comprehensive replacement of fittings and services.
The Lake District National Park Authority has granted planning permission and now further funding has been secured from the National Lottery Community Fund to progress detailed design work.
Trustee Paul Wellstead said: “We are delighted to be able to work with the National Lottery Community Fund, which has been very supportive of our proposals.
“The funding secured will allow us to complete the final stages of design work required to receive building regulations approval and to generate a comprehensive tender pack that can be presented to main contractors.
“The tendering exercise will be overseen by our project managers DSA Surveyors who will assist the trustees in procuring a formal building contract for the work.”
Fellow trustee Simon Brock added: “Satterthwaite Parish Room is a vital community resource, hosting many events for local families and visitors.
“The building also acts as an emergency hub, providing safe accommodation and generator backed resilience in emergency situations.
“Sitting behind all of this is the historic fabric of the building which will benefit from the project upgrades, preserving it for future generations and offering an enhanced experience to users of the hall.
“We are very grateful for National Lottery Community Fund’s assistance in moving the scheme forwards.”
