Bringing back Fenton Library to Life!

Dear LinkedIn friends

We think we have a great idea for a programme aka DIY SOS! 

In Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, one of the UK's most deprived wards, we're in the process of reopening the town's library building. It was built in 1905 and funded by the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Regrettably the building was closed and mothballed in 2011 as part of austerity measures. Now the Great Fenton Community Association is looking to bring the building back to life as a venue which will inject much needed economic value into the local community! 

It's a tough ask as damp has taken over the building, original features are in need of restoration, windows broken, parquet flooring damaged, masonry crumbling, amongst other things...Nevertheless, given the building's status within the community, there's no shortage of volunteers coming forward to help with renovation - cleaning, decorating, plastering etc - people with a close historical association with the building. 

We hope by working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and partners in the third and private sector we can restore the building's original features whilst creating a wonderful vibrant for Fenton's 21st century residents. 

Any friends like to join us on this quest, either as CSR partners or as filmmakers/documentarians? 

Hoping you find this project of interest.

Kind regards

Alan Gerrard

on behalf of Great Fenton Community Association