We have plans to extend and refurbish the buildings that make up the Hollinshead centre, to create a modern community centre for the people of Chorley. None of the buildings are less than 100 years old and some parts are significantly older. Unfortunately some have seen little change since they were part of Hollinshead Street School which closed in the early 1980s.
The most obvious external change will be the new entrance space and adjoining corridor. The new entrance will provide a single entrance to the buildings for the first time, in front of you will be what is now the coffee room, to the right the hall and to the left the Church Rooms and Sanctuary. The new corridor will house modern, accessible toilets and an office. The existing office will be split with half remaining as an office space and the other half being used to accommodate the ramp which will be created to provide step free access between the Sanctuary and the rest of the building.
New landscaping will be created between the car park and the new entrance, creating a welcoming atmosphere and space for people and wildlife alike to enjoy. The car park will be somewhat reconfigured but will we retain a significant number of car parking spaces as well as bike parking and easy pedestrian access from the town centre.
The existing halls and meeting rooms will be completely refurbished with new lighting, heating, insulation, AV equipment, internet, room partitions and entrances. The Coffee Room kitchen will be enlarged and upgraded to a level suitable for the level of use it now sees.
We have secured the majority of the funding required for work to begin and intend to phase the project with the new build sections being started and completed first. We intend to keep parts of the building in use throughout to minimise disruption to many groups that use the premises.