HYNDBURN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MERCER HALL, GREAT HARWOOD
Hyndburn residents will decide the future for Leisure, with two surveys being launched on Thursday 11th March 2021.
The first survey is focussed on finding out how residents will use Hyndburn Leisure Centre and Wilson’s Playing Fields, the second survey asks for thoughts and ideas to shape the future of Mercer Hall, Great Harwood.
Mercer Hall has gone through many changes over the years since it was built in 1921, including life as a community hall, dance hall and later a swimming pool.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“We need to save Mercer Hall, a prominent and historic building in Great Harwood that is a focal point for our community. Repurposing it is the only option as keeping a swimming pool would see destruction of the building beyond repair. The pool currently loses 254,000 litres of water every 3 months and structural reports show movement of the building is also now taking place.”
Miles continued:
“We need to transform Mercer Hall into a facility which will protect this wonderful building and will serve the local community for generations to come. I have been listening to our Hyndburn residents and there have been some fantastic options including community and leisure ideas such as a cinema, restaurants, an education centre or ongoing leisure use. Please do make sure you put your ideas forward when the consultation opens on 11 March.”
Lyndsey Sims, CEO Hyndburn Leisure Trust said:
“Hyndburn Leisure Trust fully support Hyndburn Borough Council’s transformation project, which we have worked with them very closely on. It is a really exciting time, and it is essential future plans take into account long-term environmental impact and sustainability, whilst also meeting the needs of local people. A full structural survey has been undertaken at Mercer Hall and we are awaiting the results of this, it is key that any actions we take are evidence-based and with a view for the future.”
Cllr Munsif Dad BEM JP, Trustee at Hyndburn Leisure Trust said:
“As many people as possible need to take part in the survey and have their voice heard, it is important people share ideas and vision for the future. I am also pleased to announce that residents across our community who cannot access the online survey will be supported to have their feedback heard too.”
The public consultation will be available 11th March to 2nd April 2021 via an electronic survey via: www.hyndburnleisuretransformation.co.uk