AMBITIOUS plans are afoot for Richmond’s Old Grammar School and its doors are being thrown open to the public this week.

This Thursday the school will be open to visitors from 10am to 7pm as part of National Heritage Open Days.

Also known to many as Lower School, the much-loved Richmond building is in urgent need of restoration.

Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, which restored and runs The Station, is currently working towards that goal through a Round One Heritage Lottery Grant and a further grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Trustees are planning to reopen the building as a community venue supported by commercial enterprise.

The Trust has now raised £135,000 towards their revised goal of £550,000 which must be raised by next February. This is in readiness for the application for a Second Round Heritage Lottery grant of £1.8 million.

The Lottery will make a decision next summer and, if successful, work will start later in the year on the renovation and conversion of the building into community offices and facilities supported by income from a function room, an independent hostel and café.

Leader of the project, James Gravenor, said: “The Old Grammar School Team is making great progress towards submitting full plans and costs to the Heritage Lottery Fund next February.

“We have firmed up our ideas for the use of the Community Hub but we are still seeking suggestions from groups and individuals as to what activities should take place in this “Village Hall” for Richmond Town.

“We want to see a wide range of activities for all age groups so come along to our open day to see what is planned and to give us your views.”