A NEW community coffee shop and reading room has been created in the style of a similar venue which opened on the same site more than a century ago.

The Trustees of The Barlow — a community centre based in a historic building in Edgworth — are launching The Reading Room, a new facility for local people.

Drawing on the history of the Barlow building — which opened in 1909 to provide a place for the community to meet, drink and enjoy recreational activities — the team has used charitable funds to create the plush new venue.

Inspired by the original design, The Reading Room will allow families, friends and business people the chance to meet, relax, eat and drink tea and coffee.

One of the trustees, Lee Parker explained how the project came together, he said: “In 1909 The Barlow opened its doors for the first time, with the aim of providing recreational and indoor activities for the local community.

“It had a swimming pool, bathroom facilities, a billiards room, a hall for dances and events and also a tea and coffee room.

“As trustee’s it is our aim to bring back the community feel and offer continued facilities and services to the community and in doing so we have invested time and money in creating The Reading Room at the Barlow.

“We have sourced the freshest fair trade and organic ingredients for fresh coffee and blended teas to bring life back in to the room that was used for the same purpose 107 years ago.”

The Reading Room will open its doors to the public on Wednesday and initial opening times will be from 10am until 3pm on Sundays, from 9.30am until 12.30pm on Wednesdays, from 9.30am until 6.30pm on Thursdays, from 3.30pm until 6.30pm on Fridays and from 1pm until 5pm on Saturdays.

These hours will change and increase based on demand on on different events taking place at the venue.

As well as fresh tea and coffee, visitors will be able to purchase baked cookies, cakes and biscuits.

Mr Parker added: “The Reading Room has taken some time to get together, the Trustees wanted to invest in local businesses and trades on the project so interior design was done by Little France Boutique in Harwood, Joinery by Chris Peak Joinery as well as many other local trades people.

“The money has been sourced by charitable funds and for the last 4-6 weeks we have been trialling its products to the Barlow's user groups to get customer feedback.

“We have already seen a return so are hopeful for continued support from the local and wider community as all profits will be re invested in the upkeep of the Barlow and investment in continued services and facilities.”

He added: “With The Reading Room we hope we have created a venue for the public to come and relax in and have a drink or something to eat.

“Whether it is families coming along with children or business individuals using the room for meetings and taking advantage of our free Wi-Fi — we want to welcome everyone to enjoy The Reading Room.”

Stuart Miller joined the Barlow as centre manager in February and has been instrumental in putting the idea together along with Mr Parker and the rest of the Trustees.

Ellie Whitlock will be the coffee shop manager and will be working closely with Mr Miller to ensure the continued success of The Reading Room.