Sir John Moore Centre
[uncredited]
Sir John Moore Centre
[uncredited]
In 1986, the Sir John Moore School building in Appleby Magna was threatened with closure. Members of the local community and key partners set about the task of gaining support and funding to refurbish the 17th century, grade 1 listed building which was based on an original design by Sir Christopher Wren. This involved working to keep the school within the building and eventually to set up a 'Victorian school' museum, a gallery, training suite and office, residential space, a UK Community Online centre and community gardens. The Sir John Moore Foundation now also organises arts and cultural events in the grounds and building.
Appleby Magna is a village between Swadlincote and Coalville in the district of North West Leicestershire. The village is relatively small, comprising around 1,000 inhabitants. The 17th century school building was a significant feature of the village. Under threat of closure, members of the community wanted to find a way of both keeping the school within the building and repairing and maintaining the fabric of the building.
Sir John Moore's was a church-aided school, and a way needed to be found to convince the diocese not to follow their plan for a new school building. Likewise the trustees of the building had to be persuaded that it might be possible to bring the grade 1 listed building up to a standard whereby the school could stay within the building. This involved the restoration of the whole building, and looking at the use and sustainability of all the spaces.
John Moore Case Study