AN outbuilding in the grounds of a listed building in Accrington is set to receive a £49,000 makeover to transform it in to a community centre and training base.

The former stable block at Elmfield Hall in Gatty Park has fallen into a state of disrepair, but thanks to the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Newground Together it is set to be turned into an employment base, which will include a training kitchen, and a place for community groups to meet.

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Peter Jordan, Newground Together’s executive director, said he was delighted to be supporting the Community Solutions North West project that will improve employment in the community.

He said: “Newground Together’s remit is to help community-based projects.

“This project ticked all the boxes and we are glad to support it with funding.

“It will help provide badly-needed employment and training opportunities as well as community spaces into what is, statistically speaking, a deprived community.

“We look forward to seeing the renovations being completed and Elmfield Hall become an important and valued community facility.”

The hall was one of 17 buildings across the country to benefit from a £5.5million boost to help them re-open to the public or improve their existing use.

Community Solutions North West were given £307,877 to refurbish the hall, which was built in the 1850’s by the Gatty family, who were chemical engineers at Hagg Works.

Deborah Clark, managing director of the social enterprise, said that the aim of renovating the stable block will be to reduce social isolation and develop job opportunities.

She said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Newground Together and Lancashire Environmental Fund.

“Once renovated the facility will be used to support our Community Connections group programme and will be an additional venue for local community groups.

“The aim of the initiative is to reduce social isolation, improve health and wellbeing and develop opportunities for volunteering, training and employment.

“We are thrilled to be starting work in the coming months to bring the facility back into community use.”

Renovations will be starting next month and are due to be completed in autumn.

Andy Rowett, fund manager for the Lancashire Environment Fund, said: “The Fund is pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile community resource.

“I look forward to seeing the facility come to life over the coming months.”