THE Old Bank Project, based in Camelford, has finally opened its doors to the public following their open day on Saturday, August 13.

Cake, plant and book sales, as well as refreshments, were on offer for visitors and members of the public, raising funds for the project.

A variety of sources providing an insight into how the building has been transformed from the old NatWest bank into a thriving new space for community groups and organisations to gather were also available on the open day, giving locals an insight into the variety of clubs and activities they might see in the coming weeks and months.

Town councillor, Claire Hewlett, a trustee of the project, said: “We want to see anyone and everyone; things will grow as people suggest ideas.”

Cllr Hewlett has her own vision for the Old Bank, with a stage in the far corner of the room for comedy, readings, music and more. The survey at the entrance of the building gave visitors the opportunity to state what they’d like to see at the Old Bank, and to also provide members of the project with an idea of who is getting involved.

Having signed the five-year lease for the building in July, the transformation of the building took approximately six weeks to complete, with the help of a NCS project youth group, as well as a number of volunteers.

The project has already got its first group booked in, a ‘Sing and Play’ music class for young children up to the age of four, starting on Tuesday, September 6, from 10am until 11am.

Additionally, Cllr Hewlett has organised an adult colouring book session at the Old Bank on Thursday, September 8, from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Having also had a marquee at the recent Camelford Agricultural Show, the Old Bank Project is starting to see an increase in interest from local people and groups, and is already taking the next steps to improve and develop.

A fire safety assessment took place on August 12, giving trustees of the project guidance on what to do next.

The Old Bank team will soon be knocking down a wall to make the main space bigger and to create a new kitchen, having to follow guidelines given during the fire safety assessment to ensure the main fire exit is accessible.

Further fundraising will have to be undertaken to provide money, so the Old Bank will be holding more events like their recent open day once a month.

Cllr Hewlett commended Camelford Town Council for their generous assistance in providing a donation towards the legal fees, a grant of £2,500.

Cllr Hewlett added: “Without that, we wouldn’t have got started in the first place.”

The open day raised a total of £127 for funds towards developing the project, as well as gaining new ideas for activities to take place at the Old Bank and getting more people to like their Facebook page, giving the Old Bank Project a great kickstart into success.