Bids for £280,000 of grants are to be made for the revamp of Great Harwood's Mercer Hall as the first images of how the historic leisure complex might look after upgrading have been released.

Appointed heritage experts Buttress Architects have revealed their design concepts for the building.

Now its operator Hyndburn Leisure is preparing to submit a bid to the Lancashire Environment Fund for £30,000 and another for £250,000 to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to help bring these plans to life.

Mercer Hall, which still has a gym complex, 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 a new purpose-built £12 million leisure centre at Wilson Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors.

Now the specially-created Mercer Hall Repurposing Group, Hyndburn Leisure, and Buttress Architects have revealed the first details and images of their proposals for the future.

Mercer HallMercer Hall The plans, shaped by feedback from Great Harwood residents, highlight how the historic Mercer Hall could be revitalised as a vibrant community space creating fresh opportunities for the local community.

Buttress Architects, specialists in historical conservation, have developed designs which incorporate flexible spaces for hosting a broad range of activities and events including music concerts, community gatherings, youth activities, creative workshops, and cultural events.

An exhibition space within the building will be set up to allow local residents to see the proposals.

Stephen Anderson, director at Buttress, said: "Our designs reflect the community’s aspirations for Mercer Hall, creating a space that is not only functional but also a true reflection of Great Harwood’s unique heritage.

"We’re excited for residents to explore the new vision."

Hyndburn Leisure and the repurposing group are preparing further grant funding bids to restore the building and create spaces for a wide variety of community activities from youth programmes to live music events.

Ciaran Wells, chair of Hyndburn Leisure, said: “We're excited by the plans developed by Buttress and optimistic that external funding will allow us to bring these designs to life.

"Mercer Hall is a place for people, a community facility at the heart of Great Harwood for over 100 years.

"The proposed changes will preserve its historical significance and create a space for new opportunities and experiences.”

Hyndburn Council's deputy leader and Netherton ward's Cllr Noordad Aziz said: "We made a promise to the residents of Great Harwood that we would work to make sure Mercer Hall would remain one of the crown jewels in the township's community.

"That is what we are focussing on and I am pleased to see progress being made."

Hyndburn Council Conservative group leader Cllr Zak Khan said: "Any money going into Great Harwood and the repurposing of Mercer Hall is good.

"I am pleased that plans are progressing and look forward to seeing the detailed proposals."