Delapré Abbey in Northampton is looking to boost its visitor offer by converting a 19th-century stable block.
The buildings are currently used for storage but could be transformed into spaces for creative business or niche retail, café and a microbrewery.
Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust reached an agreement with Northampton Borough Council in February last year for a lease on the building provided the trust had obtained suitable planning permission, West Northamptonshire Council had approved the works and the council had secured vacant possession of the property.
The abbey’s chief executive Richard Clinton said the stable block offers an opportunity to bring back to life an important part of the 550-acre site. “A new feasibility plan has been developed in response to the impacts and demands created from the pandemic,” he added. “The curation of the uses of the site are currently being developed and as these plans take shape we look forward to sharing them with the public.”
The conditions originally had to be met by August this year but the council is proposing to extend the deadline by 12 months.
Cllr Malcolm Longley, cabinet member for finance, said that extending the deadline was the most practical solution. “The creation of an additional attraction at the site will help boost the local economy and increase visitors to the abbey itself. The alternative is that we continue to maintain the buildings at a cost to the people of West Northamptonshire and that they provide no wider benefit.”
Mr Clinton said: “We are keen to ensure the final offer complements the existing visitor attraction, helps support a thriving visitor economy, creates jobs and importantly supports the needs of our communities.”
