RESIDENTS got the chance to check out plans for the Sherborne Almshouse during a recent open day event.
Proposals for redevelopment of the property were on display, with visitors also having the chance to discuss the plans with trustees and Abbey officials.
Previously, a collaboration between the Almshouse and Abbey was announced, providing affordable accommodation and community facilities at the historic building.
It comes after the town was left shocked when it was announced tenants at the Almshouse had been evicted as the property struggled to survive financially.
The open day event was a chance for residents to see the plans and have their say.
Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt, said: “We were really pleased that so many people were able to join us at the Open Day to find out more about our vision for the future of the building and to share their views.
“We announced in September that the Almshouse will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals and that the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom, support centre for young people and space for community projects.”
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And he said the scheme had been well received by visitors on the day.
“After looking carefully at all the options, we remain 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,” he added.
“Local people liked the fact that the building will come alive again and be used, as it always has been, to provide affordable accommodation to people who need it.”
St John’s Almshouse, in Sherborne
The message was echoed by the Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee.
“The Almshouse has cared for local people for many years, and we are looking to continue that tradition,” he added.
“We hope that the town will support us in helping to make our vision a reality.”
This is appalling- after hundreds of years, this is such a dreadful thing to happen. Surely the Digby family could help, as the local leading family, and who apparently take all the stall rents from Pack Monday Fair- not a penny of which goes to the town?