Vital village hall renovations to be carried out thanks to £203k Lottery grant
Villagers at Goadby Marwood are celebrating after a grant for £203k was secured to carry out important renovation and extension work on their cherished grade two listed village hall.
An application for support to The National Lottery Heritage Fund has proved successful for Friends of Goadby Marwood Village Hall (FoGMVH), a dedicated volunteer group committed to managing the building as a thriving community hub.
Their transformative project, named ‘Goadby Marwood Village Hall: Protecting Our Heritage and Serving Our Community’, will breathe new life into the historic building, combining sensitive preservation with the needs of the community, the group says.
The upgrades will make the hall more accessible, sustainable, and versatile and this will facilitate a broad spectrum of events and activities for residents and visitors, alike.
“This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a tremendous boost for both our hall and our community,” said Denise Kitson, chair of FoGMVH.
“We are excited to preserve the historic beauty of our building whilst creating a more welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for everyone.
"Thank you to all who have supported FoGMVH in this huge achievement, it couldn’t have been done without the encouragement and support of the whole community.
"Watch for further updates as work begins.”
Built in 1860 from local ironstone quarried in the village, the hall is a treasured landmark with deep historical roots.
The renovation project will deliver careful repair and enhancement works to protect the hall’s historic character whilst adding modern amenities to meet today’s needs.
Accessibility improvements will ensure the space is welcoming for everyone, and sustainability measures will help safeguard the building for future generations.
Alongside these physical upgrades, a heritage engagement programme will introduce interpretation panels and an accessible trail guiding visitors through the village’s rich history - from its Roman origins to its industrial past linked to the ironstone quarry.
A calendar of community events, including talks, heritage walks, cinematic screenings, and educational activities, will invite participation from local groups such as ramblers, WI members, history societies, and schools.
The Friends of Goadby Marwood Village Hall also extend heartfelt thanks to National Lottery players, whose contributions make such projects possible. Go to www.goadby-marwood-village-hall.com to find out more about the hall and the plans to upgrade it and balance the preservation of its historic fabric with the evolving needs of local residents.