Charity for vulnerable people to convert and preserve historic barn building

The charity, Caring For Life, has been based at Crag House Farm, Cookridge, near Leeds, for 25 years, working to repair emotional and psychological damage caused by years of neglect, extreme poverty or mental and physical abuse.

The Christian organisation has a staff of 60 – supplemented by a 150-strong army of volunteers – and has helped an estimated 3,500 vulnerable people make a fresh start in life.

However, as its case load continues to rise during the economic storm, the charity has now decided to convert the grade II listed barn to house a new shop and restaurant serving the farm’s own produce by the autumn.

The £1.44m design has been drawn up by Harrogate-based Townscape Architects.

“We were thrilled to win the commission to resurrect a building which has had such a chequered past,” said architect Nick Silcock.

“Research suggests the barn started with a thatched roof, which was replaced with stone and then asbestos – which was apparently damaged extensively when a wheel fell off a light aircraft passing overhead and crashed through the building.

“As you would expect with a building like this, we’ve had to work closely with the planning team at Leeds City Council to preserve as many of the barn’s original features as we can.

“By bringing the old barn back into full use, the charity will preserve the oak frame for posterity.

“It’s not the sort of challenge that comes along every day – and there’s the added bonus of helping an inspirational cause.”

The charity has already opened a large restaurant and social enterprise on the site in 2008.