Nestled in leafy green parkland, the Grade II listed Worden Hall had fallen into disrepair, suffering from substantial water ingress and failing building services. The rapidly deteriorating building was home to a small café occupying less than 10% of the building footprint that had become unsafe and unsuitable for community use.

Following an investment, South Ribble Borough Council undertook a feasibility study and option appraisal for the Hall. Architects Purcell created the initial designs through to planning application stage and after extensive public consultation the preferred design proposal was a community venue and exclusive weddings and event space.

Once appointed, we applied a strategic approach to the building budget, simplifying the design and concentrating on stabilising the building fabric through sensitive restoration works. The interior design delivered with the contract was developed in collaboration with The Artistry House Interiors.

By establishing lower running costs and reduced ongoing maintenance costs, the Hall is able to provide a broad spectrum of functions to serve the local community, including event and wedding spaces, community use and gallery spaces, independent retail units, ‘ghost’ kitchen facilities for events, along with the rehoused Folly Coffee House & Café.

Another key challenge for the project was addressing the fire safety issues of the existing listed building. We recognised the need for an engineered solution and worked with the fire engineer to develop a fire strategy, suitable for public use, which did not diminish the historic nature of the building.

This sympathetic restoration, which has enhanced a number of key architectural features including the original clock tower, has become the heart of this award-winning park and secured the long-term future of the building.