An ambitious plan to convert a redundant village church into hostel accommodation for visitors has received Rishi's backing.
The proposal for the former St Michael and All Angels Church in Hudswell, near Richmond, would see the listed building converted to provide up to 18 beds, a residents’ lounge/meeting room plus a kitchen.
Rishi was invited to see the church and talk to the team behind the scheme after the Hudswell Community Charity sent Rishi their business plan.
He praised their initiative and hard work and is supporting the charity’s bid for help towards the £1m-plus conversion cost from the Government’s Rural Prosperity Fund (RPF).
He said: “This is a great idea to find a new use for a much-loved church which will preserve the heritage of the listed building and give it a new life as a tourist facility.
“This is a glorious spot on the edge of the Dales and the accommodation aimed at walkers and cyclists would help to sustain the village’s community-owned pub and shop.
“The charity has a tremendous record for developing community assets. They have a robust business plan which meets the criteria for funding from the RPF. It very much deserves support for the capital cost of conversion.”
Planning consent has been granted for the conversion and the purchase of the building from the Church Commissioners for £20,000 has been agreed.
The Hudswell Community Charity is working on raising the £1m required from a variety of grant-making bodies, the government, Richmondshire District Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and its own limited resources.
