AN AMBITIOUS transformation of the former Worcester Granary into a multi-use venue for the community has almost reached the end of its first phase.
After decades of lying empty and decaying the building at the heart of the St Martin’s Quarter is now structurally sound. The Granary is listed as being of ‘architectural interest’, due to being a significant remaining part of the former vinegar works, built somewhere between 1830 and 1850 during Worcester’s industrial expansion.
Phase one of the project was to sensitively restore the structure, including replacing some rotten structural timbers, treatment for dry and wet rot, reroofing , cleaning all internal brickwork, re-glazing with heritage windows on new sills and installation of new internal stairs.
The completion of this phase will result in a usable ground floor. Future phases involve installing a lift, disabled toilets, kitchen and the upgrading of the remaining three floors for community work.
Jim Harper, a community pastor with Hope Church said: “Our vision is to use the building as a tool to build community, help the vulnerable and further enrich the culture of our great city.”
This month the project received a boost with a grant from Allchurches Trust. The trust is one of the UKs largest grant making charities and gave more than £16million to churches, charities and communities in 2018. Its funds come from its ownership of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.
Team leader Richard Thomas said: “Coming at a time when we were financially stretched this AllChurches grant is a massive encouragement, and we are looking forward to the work progressing and actually using the building”
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