Next phase of Mercer Hall work set to begin

Work is poised to start on Phase Three of the repurposing of Great Harwood’s historic Mercer Hall.

Hyndburn Council has confirmed the award of an additional £250,000 for the refurbishment as part of the 2026/27 budget.

Funding for the improvements will come from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a £1.5 million allocation from government for immediate improvements to community spaces, public spaces or high street and town centre revitalisation.

The new grant will enable the delivery of Phase Three of the repurposing programme at Mercer Hall.

This will focus on major upgrades to the two wings, reception area, and turn the former sauna and steam room spaces and reception area into improved, modern spaces for community use.

The new money means a total of £915,000 has been secured for improvements to the building over the last two years, the majority of which has come from external funding applications led by Hyndburn Leisure and the Mercer Hall Repurposing Group.

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 £12 million Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors.

It reopened in January after a four-month closure for major refurbishment work.

Phase One, which is now nearing completion, has focused on essential improvements to the building’s interior and accessibility. This includes the installation of a new floor in the main hall, redecoration of several internal spaces, pigeon netting, and a range of accessibility improvements.

Phase Two, currently underway, is further enhancing the hall’s community and cultural offer. This phase includes the installation of a stage in the main hall, new performance seating, soundproofing for a recording studio, a programme of cultural activity and pre-construction work for the two wings and reception/sauna/steam areas.

It also incorporates feasibility work to explore options for installing an accessible entrance at the front of the building.

Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council said: “This additional investment is fantastic news for Great Harwood and for everyone who uses Mercer Hall. Each phase of work is strengthening the building’s future and expanding the opportunities it can offer to our communities.

“The Pride in Place funding allows us to deliver meaningful, visible improvements more quickly, and I’m delighted we can continue building on the progress already made.”

Lancashire-based Architects, Cassidy + Ashton have been appointed by Hyndburn Leisure to assess detailed options for the new funding.