Historic Lake District Barn Transformation Nears Completion
A historic barn in the Lake District is nearing completion of a major restoration project that will transform the former agricultural building into a new community arts and cultural venue.
The project centres on Nibthwaite Common Barn, a stone-built agricultural property dating back to the 1840s, located in High Nibthwaite near Ulverston. The building had remained unused for more than 20 years before a local family secured planning permission in December 2023 to convert it into a community arts venue. The newly established charity Nibthwaite Arts will operate the facility once it opens to the public.
The restoration has been led by architects Carter Gregson Gray, working alongside construction specialists, structural engineers and sustainability consultants. The team has focused on preserving the barn's historic character while adapting its interior for modern community use. Traditional restoration techniques have been combined with environmentally conscious materials, including lime and wood-fibre insulation, helping retain the original building's character while improving its energy performance.
Once operational, Common Barn will provide accommodation for a live-in artist-in-residence on the ground floor, alongside a dedicated maker's workshop. Artists and creative practitioners will be able to develop projects on site, organise activities and collaborate with residents and visiting creatives. The venue is also expected to host an annual residency programme, with rotating themes covering design and making, performance and celebration, and food.
Sustainability has been a central consideration throughout the redevelopment. The building is designed to use air-source heat pumps, with projected operational carbon emissions of 4.6kg of carbon dioxide per square metre annually. Existing stone from the original structure has been reused where possible, while UK-grown Douglas fir timber and locally sourced stone and roofing materials have helped reduce the project's reliance on materials transported over longer distances.
The development is intended to create a lasting cultural resource for South Lakeland while bringing a long-unused historic building back into community use. Its location within the Lake District National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site also makes the restoration an example of how traditional rural buildings can be adapted for contemporary purposes without losing their historic identity. The first artist residency was planned for autumn 2026, marking an important stage in the venue's development.
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