The £1.3 million refurbishment of Fairford Community is now complete and the building is open to the public.

The former Fairford Free School, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1738, was repurchased in 2002 jointly by Fairford Town Council and the Parochial Church Council of St. Mary’s Church. Thanks to major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Rural Renaissance Fund, and donations from local people, the building has been improved, extended and made fully disabled-accessible. An amazing transformation has taken place, resulting in a building which, in addition to rooms available for local activities and services, has Council and Parish offices, Information room, Visitor reception and Youth activity areas, Heritage room, and an Archive room which will house the Fairford Archive, managed by Fairford History Society.

Fairford’s fully modernized 21st Century Community Centre really lends itself to functions such as wedding receptions, christening parties and wakes, being next door to the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church with its world famous stained glass windows. The old school playground has been up-dated and has become an elegant alfresco entertainment area accessed by a glazed corridor, which links the old building with the new.

The new Centre has a variety of small and large meeting rooms and office space and these can be booked by the hour or for longer periods by contacting 01285 711571.