NEW EXTENSION WILL BOOST VISITOR NUMBERS AT RIBBLE VALLEY VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

The project at the Old Grammar School, Whalley, included the building of a new extension, replacing a dilapidated former one, to provide an extra room and improved provision for popular craft activities, such as woodworking, that are in high demand.

It is estimated that the extra room, together with an additional room created within the building, will attract up to 5,000 more visits a year to the centre.

The centre’s small car park has also been improved to provide extra space.

The trustees of the Whalley Educational Foundation, which manages the building, were awarded a £127,000 grant, funded by the UK Government and administered to local projects by Ribble Valley Borough Council, to cover the cost of the work.

Councillor Stuart Hirst, chairman of the council’s community services committee, said: “It’s great to see this historic building thriving and continuing to provide a valuable space for people to meet and enjoy a wide range of activities at the heart of their community.”

Chairman of the centre’s trustees, Terry Hill, said: “The work included replacing an existing, smaller extension, which is no longer fit for purpose, with a larger room that will give us extra space to provide a wider range of classes and activities for the community."

“That’s great news, not just for Whalley but for the Ribble Valley as a whole."

“The Old Grammar School is one of the most iconic buildings in Whalley and it’s had a lot of work done to the building over the past 10 years or so to make sure it continues to provide a lasting legacy and serve local people into the future.”

The trustees are waiting for a decision on a further separate funding bid to help pay for the restoration of the historical frontage of the building by reinstating a former window that was removed in the 1950s to create a doorway..

The community centre currently has 11 rooms for hire, at a charge, for groups of between six and 80 people. It’s home to groups as diverse as those doing art, pottery, sewing, beading, crochet, languages, woodwork and yoga and also hosts community group meetings.

The building dates back to 1725 and celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. It was serving as a royal grammar school for boys when it closed in 1910 after which it was taken over by the Whalley Educational Foundation following an Order in Council signed by King George V.

Caption (left to right): Councillor Mark Hindle (Foundation trustee), Jo Ann Murphy (treasurer), Councillor Simon O’Rourke (Ribble Valley Deputy Mayor), Terry Hill (chairman) and Martin Fewster (secretary).

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Ref: NR170125

Date: 24th January 2025.

Further details for the press are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council’s communications unit on 01200 414483 or 07438 162349.