Lancaster’s oldest community hub, The Gregson Community & Arts Centre, is celebrating its biggest external facelift. Built in 1889 the centre has had a £36,000 investment with new/refurbished wooden double-glazed windows and doors across the ground floor.

Following a community take-back of the centre after lockdown, the charity has re-energised this community asset. The Gregson is bursting at the seams with community and arts events. Over 70 regular groups call the centre home and there’s an exciting one-off events and volunteer-led programme. The charity is supported by over 120 volunteers.

Now firmly up and running again, the charity’s vision is to transform its historic building and spaces into inspirational contemporary places that enable their community to thrive.

The windows project marks the first milestone in fulfilling this vision. The community came together, joined by Mayor Abi Mills, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate.

Charles Tyrer, CEO of the Gregson commented: "I’m proud of the work we’ve done, prouder of the people inside the building who have made it possible and excited about the new people we’ll welcome in now that the building looks so good! It’s out with the rotten wood and in with new wooden double glazing. It looks good, is in keeping with our heritage building, and will reduce our astronomically high energy bills."

The charity received a substantial donation from local donor Sarah Shelley, which 'match funded' a grant from the Walney Extension Community Fund. The project has seen the replacement and refurbishment of all ground floor windows and doors including the rebuilding of a supporting wall and the replacement of a sandstone lintel.

Sarah commented: "I am a proud and happy member of the Gregson. To see its recovery from near death (after covid), to the thriving organism that we have today is little short of miraculous. This was the result of a coalition of talented, good hearted, hard working and generous people who gave unstintingly to bring our Gregson back for us all. We must all remember that our Gregson needs continual nurture and effort on everyone's part if it is to continue to serve its purpose as the heart of our community.”

The charity has ambitious plans for the centre’s transformation, and an extensive ‘to do list’ including a new roof, insulation and heating. The Charity’s Trustees have a plan for the redevelopment of the space which will enable the organisation to:

1. Transform the centre for the next generation; 2. Address the climate emergency; 3. Become financially robust.

“This is far from the end of our campaign to transform the Gregson…We want to be the best community centre in the country! This will only be possible with strong community support.”

If you would like to find out more about getting involved in a vibrant community centre, go to gregson.co.uk/get-involved