TWO businessmen are poised to transform the former municipal gardening shed in High Crompton Park into ‘The Green’ – an eaterie and community hub.
Michael Stewart and Mark Robinson have worked on the project for nearly 18 months, liaising with residents, community groups and council planners to ensure a development acceptable to all.
“We want to bring something to the area that everyone can benefit from, while also restoring what was a fairly dilapidated and run-down building back to former glory,” Michael told the Correspondent.
“A lot of the works we’ve done so far have been to protect the integrity of the building.
“On the roof, we restored all the original slate and sourced identical replacements for those beyond repair.
“The beautiful internal beams, which will become a feature of the building, have been restored and renovated, wall ties and a damp-proof course have been installed to the external walls as they were all previously bulging and bowing and in danger of further deterioration.”
The Green overlooks the park bowling green and is sited within a conservation area. So, everything that has been done and future work will continue to be in keeping with the setting.
“We are members of the friends of higher Crompton Park and have liaised constantly with the community to gain feedback and to help allay and fears or doubts of what will happen to the building,” added Michael.
“The Green is based on the setting and will be a theme for what we do as the project moves on.
The dream is to provide an eatery in a welcoming and warm environment all can benefit from.
“From hosting coffee and cake mornings to hosting mother and baby groups, the refurbished building will become a meeting point for any community group that can make use of the facilities.
“In the evening we will be offering more formal dining options too.
“We invite anyone who has questions to contact us via our Facebook page or website where feedback is always welcomed.
“As the project moves forward we will be updating our progress and inviting all to join what should be a great asset to the community.”