Based at one of Wigan's beauty spots, The Three Sisters Recreational area, The Hamlet has been set up by Hope School and College in Marus Bridge, thanks to a grant of £50,000 from Enovert Community Trust.
The Hamlet is a continuation of Hope School and College's 'Outstanding' Legacy provision. Their goal is to build and grow The Hamlet at the heart of the local area, providing an opportunity for young adults with additional needs to gain experience and skills, equipping them for life, as well as serving the local community.
Based at the stunning Three Sisters Recreational Area in Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, The Hamlet provides a range of valuable services to the local community, including Lakeside Printing, Nest Cafe, a Tourist Information service, and a state-of-the-art conference suite.
The Hamlet, Three Sisters Recreational Area, Wigan. Image courtesy of Enovert Community Trust
The Hamlet - renovations on the Rangers House. Image courtesy of Enovert Community Trust
The Hamlet - renovations on the Rangers House. Image courtesy of Enovert Community Trust
Nest Cafe, The Hamlet. Image courtesy of Enovert Community Trust
Official opening with HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, November 2019. Image courtesy of Enovert Community Trust
| EB and Project Number | 148702/384 | LCF Funding | £50,000 |
| Project postcode | WN4 8DD | Total Project Cost | £65,000 |
| Object | D |
LCF project objectives
The project objective was to fully renovate and transform the derelict Rangers House at the Three Sisters Recreational Area, which had been unoccupied for the past 15 years, to allow the building to be opened up for use as a community centre and cafe.
The project aimed to create an aesthetically pleasing environment and a comfortable place for the local community to visit and spend time.
Project details and outcomes
The community enterprise provides young adults with additional needs aged 19-25 the opportunity to train for voluntary or full-time work. Trainees run a number of small businesses on the site, including a community cafe, printing business and gain experience through work-based learning.
In addition to providing young adults with additional needs the opportunity to learn vocational skills for future employment, the Hamlet provides the community with important and valued public facilities at one of Wigan's most popular and well-used beauty spots.
The Hamlet was officially opened by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex in November 2019.
Gemma Crompton, Head of Provision, Hope School and College, said: "We are extremely grateful to Enovert Community Trust for its generous grant, which has turned our vision for The Hamlet into a reality. With this facility we are now providing our trainees with work experience and training in vocational skills that will help them to find employment, while also delivering a valuable facility for the whole community to enjoy."
Angela Haymonds, Trust Secretary of Enovert Community Trust, said: "The Trustees were delighted to support development of The Hamlet. This innovative project will make a real difference, not just to the trainees from Hope School and College, who will be able to learn new skills and pursue their interests, but to the wider community by providing a much-needed resource."