Banana Enterprise Network, a local Charity which works across Bolton and Salford Boroughs, has been awarded funding from The Architectural Heritage Fund to undertake a Feasibility Study on their proposals for acquiring and saving Rock Hall in Farnworth, for the benefit of the Community.
The Project Viability grant will enable the Charity to explore different options for the renovation, repair and re-use of the Hall and further consult with the community on their proposals. It will fund professional support including the preparation of architectural drawings and outline plans.
It will also fund further community engagement/consultation work and professional fees for the preparation of a 5-year business plan. The study will form a key part of the proposed sustainability plan for the Hall.
Jayne Allman, the Charity’s CEO, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the funding as we have reached a very important stage on our journey to acquire and save Rock Hall for the community. There are very few funding organisations who grants for this type of work, therefore such funding schemes are often heavily oversubscribed. The Architectural Heritage Fund see the benefit of our project and the importance of saving Rock Hall for the community and have demonstrated their support by very kindly awarding us the grant funding. It is extremely good news!”
Kelcey Wilson-Lee, Head of Programmes & Impact at the AHF said, “The Architectural Heritage Fund is committed to supporting community groups to conserve, adapt and reuse their historic buildings for the greatest local benefit. Through funding early viability work at places like Rock Hall, our aim is to help build sustainable projects that will serve community needs for decades to come.”
Work will begin straight away and the Charity aims to complete the Feasibility Study by December if possible.
The Charity has a Rock Hall project specific Facebook page called Save Rock Hall.
