National Trust reopens Gawthorpe Hall's Great Barn following £1.3m. transformation
One of Burnley's most historic buildings has reopened to the public for the first time in 17 years following a major £1.3 million restoration project.
The National Trust has officially reopened the Grade I listed Great Barn at Gawthorpe Hall, near Padiham, after completing extensive repairs to secure the future of the 420-year-old building.
The landmark, which had been closed since 2008, was officially reopened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by project partners, funders and members of the local community.
The ambitious restoration has been funded through a generous legacy alongside support from the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancashire County Council, Burnley Council, Historic England, the Wolfson Foundation, Lancashire Environmental Fund, Historic Houses Foundation and a number of local donors, organisations and community groups.
The National Trust has also worked closely with local residents throughout the project, gathering ideas on how the vast barn can be used as a community space in the years ahead.
The Great Barn has played many roles throughout its 420-year history, from agricultural storage to serving as an indoor training facility for Burnley Football Club. Following the restoration, it will host heritage tours, exhibitions, community events, skills training and activities designed to encourage more people to enjoy the historic estate.
Dan Taylor, General Manager for the National Trust, said: "It has been a joy to see the level of enthusiasm and pride for the Great Barn to be re-opened, through all of the community briefings and online engagement throughout the project.
“We are excited to be able to open the giant doors once again and are keen to host as many activities as possible so that the estate can become a real hub for the community to enjoy heritage, nature, and sport to strengthen Burnley's identity as an Outdoor Town.”
Historic England, which supported the project, said reopening the building would benefit both the local community and the wider economy.
Tom Frater, regional director at Historic England, said: “The Great Barn at Gawthorpe Hall is a truly remarkable structure that tells the story of Lancashire's agricultural and social history.
“When historic places like this are brought back to life, they strengthen communities, support the local economy, and ensure that future generations can connect with the places and stories that shaped them.”
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a new café within the adjoining Coach House. Padiham business Mooch 87, which has operated in the town centre for the past 12 years, has launched a temporary pop-up café under the name Mooch Gawthorpe, serving drinks, light meals, snacks and ice cream ahead of a full opening planned for early 2027.
The café is expected to serve visitors to Gawthorpe Hall and the wider estate, as well as users of Burnley Football Club's nearby training facilities.
Lukman Patel, chief executive of Burnley Council, said: “We were delighted to support the restoration of the Great Barn and to help secure the future of this important historic asset.
“The National Trust does exceptional work in protecting our heritage and outdoor spaces, making them accessible for everyone to enjoy. As Burnley continues to develop its reputation as an Outdoor Town, we look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike enjoy this wonderful space along with the wider estate.”
The Great Barn will initially be open to visitors every Wednesday from 12-30pm to 2-30pm, giving people the chance to learn about the building's history, the restoration work and plans for its future use.
The National Trust says the project represents its long-term commitment to preserving Gawthorpe Hall and ensuring one of Burnley's most significant historic buildings can once again be enjoyed by future generations.