Great Harwood’s Mercer Hall reopens

Great Harwood’s historic Mercer Hall in Great Harwood has officially reopened following the completion of a major £500,000 plus upgrade.

It marks a significant milestone in the building’s restoration for its new future as a community hub after a four-month closure for refurbishment work.

The project, led by Hyndburn Leisure working closely with the Mercer Hall Repurposing Group, was completed in December, funded by the UK Government Community Ownership Fund and Hyndburn Council.

It has delivered significant improvements to the historic building helping secure its long-term future for community use.

Works included reinstating a floor in the main hall, redecoration, installation of pigeon deterrent equipment to protect the exterior, and accessibility improvements to make the venue more inclusive for all users.

Mercer Hall, built between 1913 and 1921, has been the subject of bitter controversy since Hyndburn Council decided in 2022 to confirm the permanent closure of its swimming pool in favour of the new purpose-built £12m Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors.

Work at Mercer Hall is not yet finished as the first phase of the refurbishment also includes the refurbishment of the first-floor hall and additional community spaces.

More developments are planned throughout the year, with the venue set to host a growing programme of events.

The first will take place on January 24 when it welcomes a charity boxing event coordinated by Clayton Amateur Boxing Club.

Hyndburn Council’s leisure boss Cllr Melissa Fisher said: “Mercer Hall is a much-loved local landmark, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to protecting important community assets.

With support from the Community Ownership Fund, we’ve been able to deliver vital improvements that will allow the building to be used and enjoyed by residents for many years to come.”

Ciaran Wells, chair of Hyndburn Leisure said: “Reopening Mercer Hall is a fantastic moment for both Hyndburn Leisure and the local community.

“By working in partnership with the Mercer Hall Repurposing Group, we’ve been able to deliver a project that reflects local ambition and need.

“This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating welcoming, accessible spaces where people can come together.”

The scheme was overseen by Buttress Architects and delivered by local contractor Rosslee Construction, supporting both heritage-led regeneration and the local economy.

Last month the project received a further £100,000 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation to install a permanent stage in the main hall, develop a dedicated recording studio space, and purchase event seating to increase the hall’s capacity.

Stephen Anderson, director of Buttress Architects said: “Mercer Hall is a building of real local significance, and it has been a pleasure to support its sensitive restoration.”

Nick Carter, construction director of Rosslee Construction said: “It has been a privilege to work on a building that means so much to the Great Harwood community.”