A key challenge for building owners is finding uses for heritage assets which are often expensive to maintain and are not fit for purpose when delivering modern services. One such asset was the Fellowship Inn, owned by Phoenix Community Housing, which was formerly a public house in Bellingham. It had fallen into disrepair and was in need of significant works in order to stop further deterioration of the structure. One option for heritage owners is the application for Heritage Lottery funding which would help finance the refurbishment and reinstatement of heritage assets, as long as they are being redeveloped as sustainable buildings that deliver leisure uses to the benefit of the local community. This, in turn, would bring economic growth, jobs and training opportunities, as well as community cohesion.

We supported the Fellowship Inn in their successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Development Phase Funding by creating detailed designs, cost plans and realistic business plans for an accessible mixed-leisure facility. Initially appointed to undertake a Schedule of Dilapidations, Pellings was appointed further to deliver a conservation plan for the building’s historic features, ensuring their integration into the newly refurbished building. We helped redevelop the facility by providing a café, cinema, bar, events space, music hub and a commercial kitchen, catering to the needs of multiple demographics and user groups.

The completed project has successfully created a multi-use community hub for local residents by transforming an unsafe, derelict building into a bustling environment, fit for everyday use.