A REDEVELOPMENT of a Medieval barn in Winterbourne will finally go ahead.

The £1.76million project now work to repair and conserve the 14th century Barn and its associated buildings to create a multi-purpose rural heritage venue.

One of the associated buildings, The Cart Shed, has already been renovated with some activities continuing to run while the majority of the building work takes place during 2019.

On site, The Cart Shed, provides an educational hub for learning programmes and workshops.

Visitors to the redeveloped Barn will be able to discover and learn about the site’s history and that of the surrounding area.

They will also be able to participate in a greatly-extended programme of events and activities, including craft workshops, guided tours, music and theatre performances and a new schools’ programme

Cabinet member for communities & tourism, Cllr Paul Hughes revealed his 'delight' at the changes, that are being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"It is fantastic news that we can now begin the substantive work to conserve this nationally historic building," he said.

"The fact that the building will be used for a multitude of purposes, including education, leisure and business opportunities means that it will be a valuable resource for the people of South Gloucestershire for years to come."

Sue Parsons Chair of the Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust, that runs the facility, also said: “It is wonderful to see this exciting project reach this stage.

"We are also delighted that we have been able to trial some new activities at the Barn. We now need to appoint the project’s Community Engagement Officer as soon as possible to develop the full programme of project activities.”

The redeveloped site is expected to re-open in 2020. Further details of the activity programme are available from winterbournebarn.org.uk/.