A LANDMARK building in Ledbury will be restored after being awarded more than £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The medieval core of Master’s House will be restored as a community hub offering a range of attractions and entertainment for the community, including a library and office accommodation for Herefordshire Council staff.

The council confirmed the grant, totalling £1.175 million, yesterday.

Councillor Roger Phillips said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this grant.

“The project will see long-awaited development of a new, accessible, library service for the local community and see the future of this extraordinary building secured for the benefit of current and future generations in Ledbury.”

Once completed, as well as the library facilities, the building will also become the official home of the John Masefield Archive, a collection of books, pictures, photos and artefacts related to Masefield, his poetry and his life.

It will also provide a range of volunteering opportunities for people of all ages, as well as remaining the key point of contact for Herefordshire Council customer services in Ledbury.

The grant follows committed action from residents and the council in applying for help in restoring the landmark building, which has been used for a range of uses, including as a medieval hospital, a base for the ministry of food during WWII, a doctor’s surgery and more recently as Herefordshire Council offices.

The funding will pay for the restoration of the medieval timber frame, roof and external work, as well as a range of community activities including open days during the project, work placements, heritage skills workshops and an education programme for local schools, interpretation boards and media to tell the story of the building through the ages.

Coun Phillips added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local organisations and individuals that have supported us in the development of this project and look forward to seeing the fully restored building opening its doors to the community in the summer of 2014.”