“Now or never” to save Boxmoor’s hidden gem, says David Taylor MP backing Our Heath Barn campaign
Hemel Hempstead MP, David Taylor, has backed a new community bid to save Heath Barn in Boxmoor, describing the campaign as a “now or never” moment for the much‑loved 16th‑century building.
Hertfordshire County Council has given the community a short window to save this beautiful 16th‑century Grade II listed building. If the funds aren’t raised, it could be sold for private housing and lost to the community forever. Every £1 donated helps show the strength of local support. This is exactly the evidence the Council needs to see that Boxmoor wants Heath Barn kept as an Arts & Wellbeing Hub for local people.
David Taylor MP said:
“Heath Barn is a beautiful Grade II listed building in the heart of Boxmoor – a 500‑year‑old gathering place that has served this community as a farm, a music school, a wedding venue and a home for generations of local families.
It was great to meet Lisa, a passionate Boxmoor resident, to discuss the flourishing grassroots Our Heath Barn campaign and the ambition behind bringing this historic building back into community use.
I’m proud to support their efforts and I’d encourage anyone who can to back the community’s bid in the weeks ahead.”
Our Heath Barn CIC, founded by Boxmoor resident Lisa Timms, is crowdfunding and applying for grants to assemble a viable offer that would see Heath Barn brought back into community use as an arts and wellbeing hub and café, including a child therapy area and space for local businesses and artists.
Joanna Phillips said: "We have been gifted an incredible opportunity, not only to preserve a unique, historic site for community use, but also to create an inclusive, welcoming space which promotes social connection, culture and health for all."
Claire Gillespie said: "Getting involved with Heath Barn has made me realise just how much the places we share, shape who we are and what we lose when stop fighting for them"
James Lark said: 'Arts, culture and creativity are central to not only bringing a community together but to engage and enhance cultural capital and social capital in a time where connection and belonging are so important to peoples wellbeing and mental health.'
The community campaign has launched a fundraising page, “Save Heath Barn – Boxmoor’s Hidden Gem!”, where residents can donate and read more about the project. Supporters have a limited period to help the group make a serious bid before the site can be sold on the open market.
The crowdfunder can be found at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-heath-barn