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.
Preparatory work is due to start in February 2026 with some windows that will be inside the extension being blocked up. This will be followed by a new partition between the current storage area and the main hall. Soon after we expect to start the digging for the foundations and services required by the new building. We hope to start building the new extension in April, with this phase of the project also seeing refurbishment of some of the existing spaces.
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.
Eventually the existing halls and meeting rooms will be refurbished with new lighting, heating, insulation, AV equipment, internet, room partitions and entrances.
We have secured the 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.