Littleborough’s much-loved Hare Hill House is set to get a new community café, concert rooms and business space after the Government awarded a £337,000 grant to local volunteers.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh welcomed the injection of money by Ministers, part of a £36m nationwide announcement of funding for community assets.

The grant includes £297,000 of capital funding for the essential re-roofing of this historic building. An additional £40,000 will support revenue costs. With this support, the Trust will take Hare Hill House into community ownership and transform it into a vibrant hub offering a café, arts space, concert venue, and facilities for local businesses. Building work is set to begin in the summer of 2025.

The funding is conditional on match-funding. £10,000 contributions have already been approved in principle by the Pennines Township Committee and the Crook Hill Community Benefit Fund. Additionally, the Trust and Friends of Hare Hill House have raised approximately £68,000, bringing this exciting project closer to fruition.

This grant was successful in part because Paul Waugh MP wrote to Ministers supporting the application. Paul Waugh MP for Rochdale, who supported the application, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m delighted the Government has provided this grant and proud to have played a part in securing the funding for this fabulous project. Congratulations to Nick Andrews and his team of volunteers for their dedication to restoring Hare Hill House. This is a wonderful step towards giving our community greater control over its historic assets.”

This project is part of a wider £36 million investment through the Community Ownership Fund. The initiative is designed to empower communities to preserve and enhance their local heritage.