Bishop’s Castle community hall revamped following grant funding

The Church Barn in Bishop’s Castle has received £15,000 of grant funding from Shropshire Council to undergo essential renovations.

The grant funding enabled the Church Barn to restore structural damage to its floors and cupboard spaces.

The 17th century, Grade II listed building is a well-used licenced hall, available to hire for weddings, parties and other community events, but has received very little restoration since the 1980s.

The venue has also housed Bishop’s Castle community food bank since August 2021.

The community asset grant scheme was set up to support community and local organisations survive and rebuild because of the pandemic, and was open to organisations who could evidence the economic, social, and environmental benefits each project would deliver, plus the benefits it could provide for communities.

The funding allowed the barn to replace timbers and joists from the original structure, renovate the accessible toilet on site, and install an electrical vehicle charging point.