ONE of the most iconic buildings in Barrowford is set to be opened as a community centre within months.

Barrowford Parish Council is to take ownership of Holmefield House, in Gisburn Road, in a matter of days with contracts being exchanged with Pendle Council.

A management group for the building has already been set up to look at running the community centre and to see what community groups and activities can be housed there.

Coun John Pope, chairman of the parish council, said: “The contracts were originally due to be exchanged before Christmas but there was a hitch over gas and electricity certificates, which has now been sorted out.

“The planning to open it as a community centre is well under way. As soon as the building is in our control and is usable, things will start happening. There is work that needs carrying out but it’s nothing major and all the funding is in place for it.”

Funding has been secured from the Barrowford and Western Parishes area committee (£20,000), National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme (£9,800) and Lancashire County Council funds (£800).

That will help to pay for refurbishment of the kitchen and new tables and chairs for the community and meeting area.

Barrowford Luncheon Club, which is currently run at the Civic Hall, will be one of the first groups to move into the centre.

Coun Pope said: “It is such a prominent building in Barrowford and it really is a very positive acquisition.

“I think it will take a few months for things to settle down but in the long term it will run for years and will be the main meeting place for the area for years to come.

"I think it is going to be a fantastic facility.”