An opulent Edwardian building that was gifted to the people of Pocklington is at risk of being sold for flats.
Now Pocklington Town Council is appealing for the help of townsfolk to keep Burnby Hall as a community asset.
Burnby Hall, originally ‘The Elms’, was bought by Percy and Katharine Stewart in 1901 who transformed it into the opulent Edwardian building which we see today.
They left the hall in trust to the people of Pocklington in 1912.
Now it is in the hands of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which wants to get rid of it to save money.
East Riding council offered it to the Stewarts Trust, which runs the next door Burnby Hall Gardens. But the trust decided in January that taking over the building was financially unviable.
The hall has been offered to Pocklington Town Council on a community asset transfer. For this to go ahead, the council would have to provide proof of funding and a business plan by the end of October.
Among the town organisations which have already expressed an interest in either helping or becoming a tenant is The Pocklington Heritage Society, which would like to establish a museum to display local artefacts.
Pocklington Mayor Roly Cronshaw said: “Burnby Hall was originally gifted to the people of Pocklington by the Stewart family but over time ownership was transferred to the then rural district council, later to become part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
“The town council thinks the hall should be a community asset but as we are a small team of 13 voluntary councillors, we cannot do this alone.
“We need the help and support of the local community to complete the circle and retain and run the hall in the future.”
The council is appealing for help from people with knowledge and experience of:
- Finance
- Project Management
- DDA compliance
- Building Management
- Legal expertise
- Architects
- Fundraising
- Building
- Health & safety.
Anyone wanting to get involved can find out more at a public meeting taking place on Tuesday 8 August at 7pm at the Community Hall, Burnby Lane.
If you cannot attend the meeting, you can find out more by e mailing [email protected] or telephoning 01759 304851.
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