De Facto supported this ambitious redevelopment project for the Grade II* Nailsea Tithe Barn through undertaking business planning for the project and providing support to the client team in securing £1.7m in funding needed to implement the project. Key partners in the project were the Nailsea Town Council and North Somerset District Council.
Nailsea’s medieval Tithe Barn is one of the very few historic buildings in the town. It is situated in the original centre of the medieval town after a long history as a school, and subsequent use by Social Services, The Tithe Barn fell into decline in the 1990s. The restoration of the barn enabled the Trust to create a stunning hall (for up to 150 people) with an open timbered roof as well as two community rooms for 30 people each and two small separate units for business lets.
The achievement of funding for the project enabled the Trust to carry out the repair of the existing Grade II* listed medieval Tithe Barn. The design intention of the project was to regain the sense of the original Tithe Barn. Where intervention and alterations were required, the new elements were of a recognisably contemporary design whilst making reference to, and following the rhythms of, the original building. The repairs to the barn were carried out with locally sourced traditional materials. Importantly, the main Barn's incredible medieval roof structure was exposed and the internal layout and finishes restored. To achieve the required range of facilities a new extension to the south of the Tithe Barn has provided an independent link between the three main rooms, a new entrance, reception / office, toilets, kitchen services room and storage. The business plan and funding support provided by De Facto enabled Nailsea Town Council and the Nailsea Tithe Barn trust to fully restore the Tithe Barn, preserving it for future generations and providing a thriving focus for the community.