PR07.05
September 2007

Official Opening of The Malthouse Project

The Malthouse Project, in Elsey's Yard, Bury St Edmunds, will be officially opened on Tuesday 4 th September 2007 at 12noon by Lord Tollemache, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk and Patron of the scheme.

To mark the opening of the new community building there will be a balloon release, followed by entertainment from a circus performer and music from a local saxophone player.

The Malthouse Project, created from the restoration of a 17 th century maltings, is now a unique facility that provides a café, Heritage Centre, community rooms for hire, accommodation for local people with a general housing need and central offices for St Matthew Housing.

The £2 million restoration project was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Bury St Edmund Town Trust and various other trusts, individuals and statutory sources.

Hazel Shellens, Chair of St Matthew Housing said, “The project opens up part of the town's heritage, offering new services and facilities to the local community. It also provides a means by which people who have been excluded from mainstream education and training because of illness, disability or some other barrier, can gain work experience and educational qualifications.”

Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, John Griffiths, said “We are very keen to support and preserve the town's heritage and are delighted to have been involved in this worthwhile and ambitious project which is bringing one of Bury St Edmunds' most important historic buildings back into use. The malthouse has been restored and transformed into a facility which not only provides vital housing but brings other new benefits to the local community.”

Michael Allen, Committee Member for the Heritage Lottery Fund said, “The Malthouse has been totally rejuvenated thanks to this project; an important historic building saved for the future and given a new lease of life for the local community. HLF is dedicated to preserving and opening up historic gems like this, and I have no doubt that the new Heritage Centre will be a big hit with people across Bury St Edmunds and beyond.”

Martin Lightfoot, Chairman of the Bury Town Trust said, “This Trust recognises the great imagination, courage and faith which St Matthew Housing displayed in undertaking this project.”

For more information on The Malthouse Project visit the official website by clicking here.