New lease of life for Shackleton Hall
13.12.2011
A historic building in the heart of Colne has had a fresh lease of life thanks to PEARL2 - a pioneering partnership between Barnfield Investment Properties and Pendle Borough Council.
Based in Church Street, Shackleton Hall has undergone a radical transformation and is throwing open its doors for a grand unveiling.
Colne historian Geoff Crambie will officially re-open Shackleton Hall.
He has kindly supplied photographs of old Colne which will be used as a montage on the back wall. And his memorabilia will be on display in the arcade.
The Grade II listed building has been sympathetically restored and converted by Barnfield Construction, creating offices - Housing Pendle’s new base - and 11 retail units.
Two of the units have been taken by Pendle Community Credit Union and five are currently under offer.
There’s also interest in two of the remaining four. Kathryn Fogg, Manager of Pendle Community Credit Union, said:
“The arcade is wonderful! It’s a huge asset for Colne and really is a breath of fresh air. “We moved into the arcade in November and we already have lots of new members because the building draws lots of attention.”
Brian Cookson, Director (Regeneration) at Pendle Council, said: “Shackleton Hall has been renovated to a very high standard.
“The unique arcade has been brought back to life and we hope this will give Colne a boost as a local shopping destination.
“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time and PEARL2 - our Joint Venture Company - made it possible despite funding cutbacks.”
Councillor Mike Blomeley, Leader of Pendle Council, oversees the regeneration work in Pendle. He added:
“The Victorian retail arcade dates back to 1888 and it’s now back to its former glory. “The restored historic landmark is most definitely one we can all be proud of! “Housing Pendle’s new base has 21st century technology set against the heritage of the building.
“Meanwhile each of the retail units has its own period shop front which is decorated in colours to suit the Victorian renaissance - very eye-catching!”
Terry Anderson, Site Manager on the Shackleton Hall project, said:
“As a project, this has been by far the best that I’ve ever worked on. “An initial inspection showed deterioration and dilapidation of such magnitude that people put their heads through the door and went no further! “Experienced people walked away and, in my opinion, shunned a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something with great historical importance.
“Shackleton Hall has now been given another 100 years of life and it’s something we should all be proud of. “The whole team involved in this historical landmark, which was on the brink of collapse, should have a fantastic sense of achievement.”
For a sneak preview, come along to Shackleton Hall on Thursday December 15th between 3pm and 5pm.
Anyone interested in taking one of the retail units at Shackleton Hall should contacted agents Trevor Dawson on (01282) 458007 or Petty (01282) 456677 immediately.
The Pictures show the need for Barnfield to buy some new scissors and from left to right David Barrowclough from Campbell Driver Architects, Tim Webber from Barnfield Construction, Geoff Crambie, Ian Clark from Housing Pendle and Shackleton Hall’s first tenant Kathryn Fogg from PCCU. p>
