As we want to provide all of the groups and organisations that use our venues with the best facilities possible, we’re always looking for ways that we can improve what’s on offer. This year, we’re undertaking the complete redevelopment of the original Chapel.
Once complete, the new Chapel Barn will offer delegates state of the art conference facilities and a spacious meeting area all contained within a characterful period building. With work now underway, it won’t be long until the new building is ready for business, so let’s take a closer look at what visitors to High Leigh will be able to enjoy from July 2017.
History & Restoration
Like our other high quality conference venues, High Leigh has a number of period buildings, a tangible history and a stunning setting. The original Chapel was built in 1924 as part of a legacy from the Barclay family. The existing building is a half-timbered frame structure with attractive detailing which originally stood in a walled garden, just off the main entrance to the house. However, over time, the Conference Centre has been built up around it. The charming external appearance of the building makes it well worth keeping. However, now surrounded by car parking and various other buildings, the Chapel has begun to look a little overshadowed. By updating this beautiful building, we will be able to increase both its usefulness, but also reassert its character in its location as an attractive meeting venue.
The development will be done sympathetically, taking the building’s architectural heritage into consideration at all stages. We’ll be exposing the original oak frame, restoring the beams and opening up the interior to optimise the space and make the Chapel Barn a great place to be.
Extension
As well as restoring the barn’s original features, we’ll be extending the building to provide a separate space for refreshments and brand new toilet facilities. This will help to make the new Chapel Barn area completely self-sufficient, making it ideal for a wide variety of functions and events.
The Chapel Barn itself will be opened right up during the development process, transforming the existing series of rooms into one large space. Once the work is done it will have a capacity of up to 100, giving groups and organisations plenty of room to make use of. What’s more, as the Chapel Barn will be kitted out with upgraded Wi-Fi and modern AV equipment, delegates using the space will have everything they need to run an outstanding event.
Landscaping
The area around the Chapel Barn will also receive a makeover during the development work. New landscaping around the Chapel Barn will provide groups with outside seating areas, and offer easier access between High Leigh’s reception and accommodation blocks.
If you’re planning a conference or event in the coming year and are interested in hiring out the brand-new Chapel Barn, contact a member of our team today to find out more.
