Charnwood House holds a special place in Hitchin’s story. Originally donated to the council by a local family for community use, it became home to the much-loved Hitchin Museum. When the museum relocated to Brand Street, Charnwood House continued to serve the town, storing items from the museum's collection. Now, we have an incredible opportunity to breathe new life into this historic building and turn it into a vibrant community facility – a space that serves local people and brings them together.

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A New Chapter for Charnwood House

Action Hitchin has been working closely with the council, which has allocated some initial funding to begin development. While this is an exciting start, much more support is needed to fully transform Charnwood House into the community hub it’s meant to be.

Our vision is to create a space that’s open to all – a place for workshops, events, classes, and community activities. From art exhibitions and fitness sessions to group meetings and social gatherings, Charnwood House could become a focal point for Hitchin life.

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Why This Project Matters

A facility like Charnwood House has the potential to:

• Build Connections: Offer a welcoming space for people of all ages to meet, learn, and share experiences.

• Support Local Groups: Provide affordable venues for clubs, classes, and organisations.

• Preserve Heritage: Honour the history of Charnwood House while giving it a new role for today’s community.

• Enhance Wellbeing: Create opportunities for socialising, skill-sharing, and personal growth.

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By running the facility as a charity, we’ll ensure that it remains affordable, accessible, and designed with the needs of Hitchin residents in mind.

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How You Can Help

To make this vision a reality, we need the support of the local community. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate: Help us raise the additional funds needed to refurbish and equip Charnwood House.

• Volunteer: Share your time or skills to assist with the redevelopment or future running of the facility.

• Partner with Us: Businesses and organisations can sponsor parts of the project or offer expertise.

• Spread the Word: Tell friends, family, and neighbours about this exciting opportunity.

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A Bright Future for Charnwood House

This project is about more than restoring a building – it’s about creating a place where everyone in Hitchin can come together. With your help, we can transform Charnwood House into a thriving community space that will benefit generations to come.

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Want to Get Involved?

To volunteer, donate, or share your suggestions, contact us at actionhitchin@visithitchin.com