Lancaster's oldest community hub is celebrating a £36,000 facelift.
The Gregson Centre has had replacement and refurbished wooden double glazed windows and doors across the ground floor.
The project has also included the rebuilding of a supporting wall and the replacement of a sandstone lintel.
The Moor Lane centre, built in 1889, hosts community and arts events from more than 70 regular community groups; as well as a one-off events and volunteer led programme.
The charity in charge of the centre is supported by over 120 volunteers.
Its vision is to transform its historic building and spaces into inspirational contemporary places that enable their community to thrive and the windows project marked the first milestone in fulfilling this vision.
The-then mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Abi Mills, cut a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the refurb.
"I’m proud of work we’ve done, prouder of the people inside the building who have made it possible and excited about the new people we’ll welcome in now that the building looks so good," said Charles Tyrer, CEO at the Gregson.
"It’s out with the rotted wood and in with new wooden double glazing. It looks good, is in keeping with our heritage building, and will reduce our astronomically high energy bills."
The charity received a substantial donation from local donor Sarah Shelley, which match funded a grant from the Walney Extension Community Fund.
Sarah said: "I am a proud and happy member of the Gregson.
"To see its recovery from near death (after Covid), to the thriving organism that we have today is little short of miraculous.
"This was the result of a coalition of talented, good hearted, hard working and generous people who gave unstintingly to bring our Gregson back for us all.
"We must all remember that our Gregson needs continual nurture and effort on everyone's part if it is to continue to serve its purpose as the heart of our community.”
The charity has ambitious plans for the centre’s transformation, and an extensive ‘to do list’ including a new roof, insulation and heating.
The charity’s trustees have a plan for the redevelopment of the space which will enable the organisation to transform the centre for the next generation, address the climate emergency and become financially robust.
“This is far from the end of our campaign to transform the Gregson," said Charles.
"We want to be the best community centre in the country! This will only be possible with strong community support.”
If you would like to find out more about getting involved, go to gregson.co.uk/get-involved
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