A landmark Harrogate church has secured funding to help transform it into a community hub, heritage attraction and visitor information centre.
The West Park Centre project, based at the Grade II-listed West Park United Reformed Church, has been awarded support through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
The project is being delivered by the Harrogate Heritage and Community Development Project (HHCDP) in partnership with the church congregation.
Plans will see the historic building become home to The Harrogate Story exhibition, alongside a programme of community events and visitor facilities, while continuing to serve as a place of worship.
West Park United Reformed Church is one of Harrogate's most recognisable buildings. Designed by renowned Yorkshire architects Lockwood & Mawson, whose work also includes Salts Mill in Saltaire and Bradford City Hall, the church has played a prominent role in the town's history.
The Harrogate Story exhibition was developed over 18 months by a team of volunteers and explores the town's heritage as a spa destination.
What began as a small volunteer-led initiative has grown rapidly, attracting around 1,600 exhibition visitors and a further 1,000 people to events during the past year.
Project leaders say the latest funding award will help build on that success, bringing more visitors into the town centre and helping secure the long-term future of the historic building.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
"Our high streets are where our communities come together. That's why I'm backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Streets Fund.
"By supporting The Harrogate Story, we are helping to create a vibrant town centre hub providing visitor information, celebrating the spa town's heritage through interactive displays, and offering flexible space for community events and exhibitions.
"This is one of 65 projects we've supported across York and North Yorkshire, helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again."
The funding will be used to develop a new visitor information centre, community art projects and digital displays, as well as upgrading the building's event space and café area.
Plans also include the creation of an immersive viewing room within the church spire.
Trustees at HHCDP welcomed the announcement, describing it as recognition of the work carried out by volunteers and supporters.
They said:
"This successful bid is a tribute to the hard work of volunteers, who have a vision for something genuinely ambitious and inclusive.
"We are especially pleased that the funding panel recognised our vision to create a special place, one that welcomes our community and offers visitors a truly memorable introduction to Harrogate."
Project lead Stuart Holland added:
"I am delighted that the funding panel has recognised the transformative potential of West Park Centre.
"This project will create a community and event venue of choice for local families, and a fantastic first impression for visitors to our town, enhancing the town centre offer and the wider prosperity of Harrogate. We look forward to welcoming people."
The Harrogate Story is run entirely by volunteers. Current opening times are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am until 3pm.
Visitors are advised to check opening times before travelling.
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