The phased development of Rossendale’s first digital and technology hub is moving forward after its operator secured a funding package worth more than £30,000.
Rossendale Digital CIC is transforming the former Christ Church in Bacup into a base for digital businesses, freelancers, entrepreneurs, training providers and community organisations.
The latest investment, comprising grant support from Lancashire Environmental Fund and match funding from Rossendale Digital CIC, will improve access to the building and begin the redevelopment of the grounds.
Hannah Weinhold of Rossendale Digital CIC said: “Christ Church has always been a community building and we want it to remain somewhere local people feel able to visit and use. Whilst Christ Church is the home of Rossendale’s first digital and technology hub, that does not mean closing its doors to the wider community. Our long-term vision brings together businesses, digital skills, education and community activity within one historic building.
“This funding allows us to improve access, begin work on the grounds and take another visible step towards that vision.”
Elizabeth Morgan, fund manager at Lancashire Environmental Fund, added: “I’m delighted that, following Entrust approval, Lancashire Environmental Fund has been able to support the community garden project at Christ Church in Bacup. The project will improve access to this important local building and help create an outdoor community space as Christ Church’s role as Rossendale’s first digital and technology hub is further solidified.”
The Bacup Campus is intended to become the flagship location within a wider network of digital businesses, facilities, skills provision and employment opportunities across Rossendale.
Its planned facilities include offices, coworking space, meeting rooms, classrooms and creative facilities that can be used by companies, independent professionals, educators and community partners.
Rossendale Digital CIC said the project would help businesses collaborate, give more local people access to advanced digital skills and create a focal point for the borough’s developing digital and technology community.
Rather than waiting for the complete restoration of Christ Church, the organisation is bringing the building back into use in phases. Completed areas are becoming operational while fundraising and redevelopment continue elsewhere.
This approach means businesses and organisations can begin using the campus before every element of the long-term project is finished.
Built during the 1850s, Christ Church held its final religious service in 2012. The plan to repurpose it as a centre for digitally orientated businesses began to take shape in 2019.
The project received support from the Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, who said the proposed use would “not only provide new employment opportunities but will also make available some communal areas for community purposes,” and described it as a proposal “worthy of the Commissioners’ support.”
Rossendale Digital CIC ultimately wants the campus to support digital enterprise, skills development and collaboration while preserving an important local building and maintaining its connection with the community.
