A Worksop landmark is on the road to recovery thanks to a heritage and health project focused on the wellbeing of local people. Building work has begun at the Old Library Building and Museum on Memorial Avenue, Worksop, that will transform the site to its former glory and provide a welcoming hub for the Bassetlaw community.
Aurora Wellbeing, the local cancer charity who secured a £1,809,900 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and support from other key stakeholders, will deliver an ambitious plan to regenerate the historic Grade II listed building from where Aurora’s support services are delivered. The building work is anticipated to take up to eight months to complete, with the centre set to reopen fully in September 2021.
The project will create a dedicated heritage area and innovative virtual museum in the centre, to tell the story of the building and give people the opportunity to connect with the history of Worksop. Aurora aims to engage people affected by cancer and long term health conditions with heritage, to better support their health and wellbeing.
Debra Fores, Aurora Manager said: “Exploring the links between heritage, health and wellbeing will bring great benefits for the local community and we encourage local people to engage with the project and share in this journey with us. Seeing the ‘non-original’ walls coming down to reveal the true potential of the building is an exciting moment as it’s possible to see the spaces emerge where our café and service areas will be located, along with the museum and heritage hub.”
Determined to share every stage as the project is delivered, Aurora has created social media sites to follow the progress of the heritage project. People are encouraged to get on board and share their own photographs of the Old Library Building and anyone with questions or nostalgic memories can share details with the team: Facebook ‘Heritage and Health at Aurora’; Twitter @HeritageAurora; Instagram @Heritageataurora.
The Aurora Wellbeing Centre opened in May 2014 in the Old Library and Museum Building in Worksop. Its purpose is to provide support, information and help for people affected by cancer and living with long-term health conditions. It is also a local community hub for people to visit and utilise the many services on offer within the building including the tea rooms. Aurora will continue to provide their vital cancer services remotely throughout the renovations and in line with coronavirus restrictions that are in place. Call 01909 470985 or visit www.aurorawellbeing.org.uk/worksop for more information.
