A £100,00 renovation of Hampsthwaite Village Room is almost complete.
The building, which dates back to 1890, was initially a reading room.
It was recently used for parish council meetings and various societies as well as private functions and classes such as yoga and bridge. But it had become unfit for purpose, with no disabled access or facilities.
The six-month upgrade has included creating a new kitchen and a disabled toilet, as well as better insulation and solar panels.
Most of the funding came from payments made by developers for building in Hampsthwaite.
In addition, an £8,700 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund paid for the installation of solar panels.
Volunteers have installed a library and more than 1,500 books have been donated.
Dr Mozaffar Nami, a trustee of the village room said:
“The renovations mean a warm and comfortable space where residents can meet to have tea and coffee, borrow books and enjoy participating in activities.”
Cllr Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate on North Yorkshire Council, said:
“This has been made possible by the enthusiasm of a small number of people who were determined to see this village asset remain in use and refurbished for future generations.
“The majority of the funding was generated from the Brookfields housing developments, and this is a good example of new housing being used as a catalyst for investment into the infrastructure of a village.”
Villagers are invited for coffee and cake in the new room at the reopening at 11am on April 27 when the charter mayor for Harrogate and local MP are expected to attend.
The renovation was undertaken by B&N Batty Ltd, and Townscape Architects Limited. The room is soon to have a new website made by Loyalty Matters.
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