The Old Grammar School in Richmond will be opening for visitors next Saturday.
Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, which restored and runs The Station, is currently working towards restoring the building through a Round One Heritage Lottery Grant and a further grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
The trustees are planning to reopen The Old Grammar School as a community venue supported by commercial enterprise, with the aim described as ‘a village hall’ for Richmond.
Following public consultation, research into the history of the building and its former pupils, surveys and business planning, final plans for the school have been submitted to Richmondshire District Council.
Fundraising continues to be a major part of the work that is been carried out.
While a significant sum in donations and pledges has already been raised, there is still some way to go to fulfil the target of £800,000 to match the application for Lottery funding of £1.8 million.
If full funding is received, once the school is restored there will be office and hot desking facilities at charity rates for community hire; a community hall giving a village hall facility in town; a café with outside seating looking over the river; a beautiful functions and banqueting hall; rooms to hire and a 20-bed hostel for holiday makers, residential courses and groups. The income from these commercial areas will support the community facilities.
The Old Grammar school is open for visitors on Saturday, March 30, 10am – 4pm.
Admission is free and is part of Richmond’s Love being Local day, when attractions are throwing open their doors and waiving admission charges for Richmondshire residents.
The Green Howards Museum, Richmondshire Museum, The Georgian Theatre Experience and Richmond Castle are joining together for the event.
Entrance is from Station Road.
Please follow the arrows and enter by the side door into the Main Hall.
Visitors will be greeted at the door and shown the Hall and some of the rest of the building.
Parking is in the car park opposite the school on Station Road or across the bridge at The Station.
There is only partial wheelchair access. When the building is restored it will be fully accessible.
Further information on The Old Grammar School Project may be found at www.richmondshirebpt.co.uk
Please email info@richmondoldgrammarschool.co.uk if you have any queries about the opening.
