The Old Chemist, run by Oasis Church at the Triangle, is “on target” to reopen at the end of October following a £180k upgrade to the building.
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As reported in January, the main improvements are to replace the roof and single-glazed windows - although the much-loved front windows will remain - creating a larger, more flexible space downstairs, and installing better kitchen facilities and toilets.
Most of the funding comes from a grant under the Community Ownership Fund – part of the previous Conservative government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.
The main space in The Old Chemist, photographed at the end of August. New steels are about to be installed to open up the space. Photo: Supplied
Old Chemist community development manager Peter Thompson said the work to reconfigure the main space has started.
“We are about to install the new steels this week which will open up the main room and make the main space bigger lighter and more suitable for community use,” he said, adding that a re-launch day is planned for November.
Regular users of the venue, such as those running groups, have wherever possible taken up temporary space elsewhere during the works.
Meanwhile The Old Chemist is consulting about possible future uses for the building, via this link.
Previously
Old Chemist in line for £180k upgrade