Take the self-guided building history tour
Explore the building’s 500-year story at your own pace. Download our self-guided tour and follow the route around the building, stop by stop.
Saving a piece of Dronfield’s story — for everyone
For more than 500 years our building on Church Street has stood at the heart of Dronfield — from a medieval tithe barn to the village vicarage and church hall. We’re giving it a new chapter: a restored, fully accessible community home for the whole town.
Why this building matters
Our home on Church Street is a Grade II listed building (listed in 1967) and one of the oldest surviving structures in Dronfield. Without investment it risks being lost to the community for good. By restoring it we keep a landmark of the town’s history alive — and put it back to work for the people who live here today.
A place for everyone
Heritage isn’t just about old walls — it’s about the people who use them. Every week the building already welcomes people of all ages: toddlers and parents at Pips and Stay & Play, older and isolated residents at Life Lunches and Monday Munch, young people at Rampage and Life Lounge, and adults using our co-working space.
Our restoration is about widening that circle. We want to reach people who have rarely thought of this as “their” heritage — younger residents, disabled visitors and people new to Dronfield — and give them ways in: heritage open days, our short history film, and events in the restored hall. For many who already come, especially older and more isolated residents, the building is also a lifeline against loneliness and a boost to everyday wellbeing.
Learning, skills and giving time
Saving this building is something local people can be part of. The project will create chances to get hands-on — learning about the building’s history, helping to record and share its story, and volunteering time alongside our team. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and a restored building gives many more people the chance to take part and build new skills.
Restored responsibly
We are renovating in phases, working sensitively within the building’s listed status while improving accessibility and energy efficiency — so it can serve the community sustainably for generations to come. Work began in 2023 with replacement of the rear roof and continues as funding allows.
Good for Dronfield
A restored, busy building brings life and footfall to Church Street and supports the wider town centre. The community café, co-working space and hireable rooms will also generate income that keeps Life Dronfield financially sustainable for the long term — and wherever we can, we use local tradespeople and suppliers to carry out the work.
With thanks
Our heritage project is made possible thanks to the players of The National Lottery, through The National Lottery Community Fund, and with the support of the Community Ownership Fund, Benefact Trust, the Bernard Sunley Foundation, Gavin’s Foundation and the Beatrice Laing Trust.
Centuries of Dronfield history, under one roof
This short film traces the building’s evolution from a 15th-century tithe barn to the Grade II listed hall we care for today. Restoring it keeps that story alive — and in daily use by the people of the town.
