by Andy Doran | Sep 5, 2024 | Events
Sherborne residents are invited to learn more about proposals for the future of the town’s Almshouse at an Open Day to be held later this month (September 20, 2024).
We will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals while the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom, a support centre for young people and space for community projects.
Share views
Chair of our Trustees, Richard Hunt says: “We’re inviting locals to join us at the Open Day on Friday, September 20 to find out our vision for the future of the building and to share their views.
“After looking carefully at all the options, we are confident that this exciting plan will benefit our community by providing much needed affordable accommodation; will benefit local young people by providing a safe space to share and will benefit the town by returning our incredible building to the heart of community life.”
Sherborne Abbey
This message was echoed by the Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee.
He adds: “The Almshouse has cared for local people for many years, and we are looking to continue in that spirit not just by helping to address Sherborne’s pressing need for affordable accommodation but by offering a safe space for local young people and also other members of the community through, for example, bereavement support.
“We hope that the town will use the Open Day to find out about the support that we will need and the various ways in which members of community will be able to help.”
Open to the public
The Almshouse will be open to the public on Friday, September 20 from 3pm to 6pm.
Almshouse Trustees and representatives of the Abbey will be available to share their vision for the future of the building. Members of the public are invited to join us to share their views.
by Andy Doran | Jul 30, 2024 | Events
Our Almshouse is to be remodelled in an ‘exciting joint new scheme’ involving both the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey it has been officially announced today (July 29, 2024).
The Almshouse will retain space for affordable accommodation while the Abbey will use downstairs for a tearoom and have rooms upstairs for a young peoples’ centre and community group meetings.
Community projects
The Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for all of us, offering both accommodation for those who need it, and support for important community projects.
“We will need help to realise our vision and will be looking to raise funds. The town has always been very supportive of the Almshouse in the past and we are sure that will be the case again as we move forwards together.”
Positive for the town
Our Trustees carefully considered a range of options before choosing this path, which they feel is both positive for the town and financially viable.
Richard Hunt, Chair of our Trustees, added: “It has been a complicated process to get here but this exciting joint new scheme has several benefits, not just in providing accommodation to people who need it, but also in offering a home for the Abbey’s community outreach work and enabling greater public access to our wonderful building.
Excellent opportunity
“This is an excellent opportunity for Sherborne. The need to provide accommodation for local people in financial need remains pressing. This joint approach will enable us to provide new accommodation for local people of all ages to live independently in the heart of our town.”
Open day
An open day for Sherborne residents and all interested parties to find out more and share their views, will take place here and details for this event will be announced as soon as possible.
