Polesworth
Abbey Gatehouse, North Warwickshire
For
Polesworth Abbey Community Interest Company
This is the first phase of a major regeneration project at this ancient
abbey site, where there has been a continuous Christian presence since
the 9th Century.
Parts of the Gatehouse date from the 13th Century and have
been adapted and used for a variety of different uses over time. There
is only one other gatehouse like it in England and it is now recognised
as a building of considerable significance nationally. In 2008 it won a
major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help secure its future –
converted into two holiday apartments which will be marketed and managed
by the Vivat Trust.
As such its proposed use will be highly relevant – it was first built to
accommodate wealthy visitors to the Abbey.
Fresh Life Consulting has been working with Polesworth Abbey for a
number of years and was responsible for developing the overall
development and regeneration strategy for the site. The second phase
will involve the conversion of the existing parsonage to a meeting venue
with a new Guest Hall, overnight accommodation, and a purpose built
vicarage.
Key
lessons demonstrated by this project:
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The critical importance of a project champion
prepared to commit for the long term
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Having coherent strategic objectives and a
deliverable strategic development framework to reflect these.
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This project is complex and long term. The answer is
to approach the regeneration requirement through incremental
development: building commitment to the vision, the necessary
capacity within the church, and the experience of handling
increasingly complex projects along with their capital and revenue
implications.
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Regular publicity and good PR – keeping it in the
public eye
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Remembering to say “thank you” to everyone who lends
a hand in any way
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