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A landmark project involving DJL Construction to transform a disused 19th-century barn in the Lake District into a new community hub for artists and performers is on schedule for completion in summer 2026.
Nibthwaite Common Barn, in High Nibthwaite near Ulverston, dates back to the 1840s and had stood unused for more than 20 years. In December 2023, a local family secured planning permission from the Lake District National Park Authority to change its use to a community arts venue. Newly formed charity, Nibthwaite Arts, will operate Common Barn on its completion.
The design and construction team is led by architects, Carter Gregson Gray, and includes DJL as well as engineers Structure Workshop and sustainability consultancy, Max Fordham. The team has revealed that works are progressing well and remain on track for a late summer 2026 completion date.
Speaking on the project, Jack Carter, director at Carter Gregson Gray, said: “Heritage projects of this nature, particularly in the Lake District climate, can present unique challenges but the various teams have worked well to ensure the build programme remains on track for completion in August.
“This is a relatively small project with a significant impact. It demonstrates how a sensitive restoration can deliver against Net Zero ambitions within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, while creating a valuable asset for the community.”
Once complete, Common Barn will serve as an arts-focussed community hub for South Lakeland, offering an annual residency programme centred on a rotating theme across design and making, performance and celebration, and food. The first residency starts in Autumn 2026.
The existing stone bank barn building has been carefully restored using traditional and sustainable methods and is internally insulated with lime and wood fibre insulation.
The barn will include ground floor accommodation for a live-in artist-in-residence and a maker’s workshop space. Resident practitioners will create work on site, host events and collaborate with local communities and visiting artists.
The building will use air source heat pumps and has been predicted to emit 4.6 kgCO2/m²/year approaching Net Zero in carbon emissions. Embodied carbon is minimised with home-grown timber and local stone.
Daniel Livesey, Managing Director of DJL Construction, added: “We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a passionate and creative delivery team. Bring this heritage asset back into use as a community arts space is incredibly rewarding.
“Sustainability has been at the heart of the project. Much of the stone has been recycled from the existing structure, and the timber is UK-grown Douglas Fir supplied by East Brothers, a family business in Wiltshire.
“We have also worked with local craftsmen such as stonemasons, and all new stone and roofing materials have been sourced locally. We are confident the delivery programme will remain on track and cannot wait to see Common Barn open.”
Speaking for Nibthwaite Arts, Alex Knapp said: “The south Lakes are a magical landscape with a rich artistic tradition. We are excited for Common Barn to add to the vibrant community of the area.”
More information on Common Barn can be found here https://commonbarn.org/. Applications for the inaugural residency are open until 31 March.
