Plans will shortly be unveiled for a proposed heritage centre in Spondon, showcasing the village's extensive history.
The exciting project is being led by the Spondon Historical Society who are putting together the plans for a brand new building for the centre to sit in place of the old toilet block outside the Village Hall. The plans will be on show at an event at the Village hall on the morning of Saturday 5th July.
Ruth Hooper, from the Historical Society, explains: "Over the past few months, volunteers from the Spondon Historical Society have been working through our archive store, cataloguing what we have. At the same time, thanks to a grant from the Neighbourhood Board, we have been ensuring that all the items are correctly stored in archive quality containers.
"The exercise has made it clear that we have a treasure trove of Spondon memorabilia and it is a great shame that it is so difficult for the public to access it. We also feel that, if the archives were easier to access, people would be more prepared to donate items they have."
The Historical Society have been supported in their plans by the ProHelp scheme, through which professionals provide free consultations to charities. The Society were able to discuss their requirements for a Heritage Centre with architect Simon Foote. After originally considering converting the old toilet block, Mr Foote has instead come up with an exciting, totally new design (see right).
Ruth continues: "We are having a display in the Village Hall on Saturday 5th July showing the current proposal for a Heritage Centre on the footprint of the toilet block outside the Village Hall. A new building would store our archives, fit the existing street scene and be ecologically sound. We need help with project management, construction of a business plan, negotiations with Derby City Council over planning permission and a lease; and capital and revenue funding."
Everyone is welcome to go along to the event on 5th July, look at the plans and find out more about this exciting project.
