The Grade One Georgian building has been largely empty since the closure of the Lord Digby’s School for Girls in 1992. A huge amount of restoration work needs to be done before it can open its doors to the public.

The trust hopes to turn Sherborne House into an events and art exhibition venue incorporating a café and restaurant, flexible office space, artists’ studios and artisan workshops. A contemporary multifunction rear extension has also been proposed.

Many months’ work have gone into the proposal, during which time, the trust has been liaising with Historic England and Dorset Council to secure their support for the proposals. Additionally, prospective business partners have been approached and it is also hoped Dorset Visual Arts, the organiser of Dorset Arts Weeks, will have its home there.

The trust has brought together a team of experienced professionals to ensure the restoration work is carried out sympathetically.

Chris Mitchell from the Sherborne House Trust 2018 said, “We believe this application reflects the works required to bring Sherborne House back to long term, secure and viable use. It represents the best possible opportunity to bring the heritage asset off the Buildings at Risk register. We’re extremely excited and, once the extensive restoration has been completed, we hope this magnificent building will be an integral part of the town again.”

Jeremy Barker, Friends of Sherborne House spokesperson, said, “The Trust’s plan to transform this magnificent building is a triumph for the local community; the Friends have been campaigning for over twenty years for the restoration of Sherborne House and we look forward to giving the project our full support.”

Creative director for Dorset Visual Arts, Jem Main, said, “We’re excited by the opportunity to develop a high quality and wide-ranging arts programme at Sherborne House. We look forward to being involved in the trust’s ambitious plans to restore and expand the potential of this special building and its grounds architecturally, culturally and sustainably for the benefit of the town, county and region.”