Hyndburn Council confirm additional £250,000 funding for the repurposing of Mercer Hall, Great Harwood
Hyndburn Council confirm additional £250,000 funding for the repurposing of Mercer Hall, Great Harwood
An additional £250,000 has been approved for improvements to Mercer Hall, Great Harwood as part of the Council’s 2026/27 budget. Funding for the improvements will come from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a £1.5 million allocation from Government, which aims to fund immediate improvements to community spaces, public spaces or high street and town centre revitalisation.
This new funding will enable the delivery of Phase 3 of the ongoing building repurposing programme at Mercer Hall and will focus on major upgrades to the two wings, reception area, and the former sauna and steam room spaces. The works will build on the significant progress already made and ensure the building continues to develop as a usable and accessible community venue.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council and Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader outside Mercer Hall, Great Harwood
The new funding means a total of £915,000 has been secured for improvements to the building over the last 2 years, the majority of which has come from external funding applications led by Hyndburn Leisure and the Mercer Hall Repurposing Group.
Initial phases of the project were funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), the Community Ownership Fund (COF), the Lancashire Environment Fund (LEF), Arts Council England (ACE) and the FCC Communities Foundation.
Phase 1, which is now nearing completion, has focused on essential improvements to the building’s interior and accessibility. This includes the installation of a new floor in the main hall, redecoration of several internal spaces, pigeon netting, and a range of accessibility improvements.
Phase 2, currently underway, is further enhancing the hall’s community and cultural offer. This phase includes the installation of a stage in the main hall, new performance seating, soundproofing for a recording studio, a programme of cultural activity and pre-construction work for the two wings and reception/sauna/steam areas. It also incorporates feasibility work to explore options for installing an accessible entrance at the front of the building.
The funding secured so far has seen this fantastic building in Great Harwood re-opened to the public, and has already hosted significant events including a charity boxing night, group line dancing, dance school events and this week will host a community iftar event. Plenty more events are to come with a full line up for the spring and summer months.
The newly approved £250,000 from the Pride in Place Impact Fund will allow Phase 3 to move forward, delivering the capital refurbishments needed to revitalise the two wings and transform the reception and former sauna and steam areas into improved, modern spaces for community use.
Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
“This additional investment is fantastic news for Great Harwood and for everyone who uses Mercer Hall. Each phase of work is strengthening the building’s future and expanding the opportunities it can offer to our communities. The Pride in Place funding allows us to deliver meaningful, visible improvements more quickly, and I’m delighted we can continue building on the progress already made.”
Image: Joanne Mortimer, Deputy Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure, Cllr Melissa Fisher, Cllr Munsif Dad, Darren Pickens (Cassidy + Ashton) and Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure inside Mercer Hall
Lancashire-based Architects, Cassidy + Ashton have been appointed by Hyndburn Leisure to assess detailed options for the new funding.
Hyndburn Leisure is also preparing applications to further external funding bodies to enhance the overall scope of the capital programme and ensure long-term improvements continue.