Corner House kitchen refurbishment

Wed 20 Aug, 09:48

Just wanted to respond on behalf of the Deli & Cafe in particular to Alison's post.  We'll be putting some proposals to our shareholders (update coming soon) I expect on 25 September but as yet nothing has been agreed with the CH trustees.  So to confirm John's post, the work currently being done is not the result of any agreement with them as there isn't one - yet!

In the meantime, if you fancy a little language test, see our thread under 'Sunday opening'!

Mon 18 Aug, 17:53

I believe that the community by and large is very appreciative for the work that you & your colleagues are putting in here John. Thank you. 

That said, the Corner House does have significant historical value which extends to more than its Georgian exterior appearance. Changes to its interior, especially were this requires the removal/destruction of notable historic features is to be avoided (also its a criminal offence to do so without approval from the local autthority). 

Sun 17 Aug, 22:54 (last edited on Sun 17 Aug, 22:56)

Thank you, Emily. It's quite a thankless task sometimes trying to maintain and develop the Corner House, as you can tell from the tenor of some of the posts here.

Of course we have planning consent for all work that needs it, and of course we're taking pains to preserve and enhance the historic nature of the building as we try to tackle the backlog of maintenance and to bring it up to modern standards of insulation, comfort, fire-safety, accessibility and hygiene.

It will be splendid if the deli do end up using the premises, but none of the work being done at the moment (this week levelling and insulating the old kitchen floor) depends on that. It's long-overdue maintenance to preserve the building for whatever future use(s) it is put to.

Do come to the APM mentioned below if you'd like to learn more, or to contribute your ideas about the building's future. If you're a Charlburian it belongs to you!

Sun 17 Aug, 17:54

John H, according to the WODC planning portal, there was a listed building application submitted (the ground floor plan for the proposed alterations is at https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/files/EAB8B0A91D891230E8F674447D495FC0/pdf/23_02178_LBC-PROPOSED_GROUND_PLAN-1286476.pdf), but was withdrawn in Jan-24. 

Interestingly the planning portal has a report from the conservation officer dated Dec-23 (see https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/files/160393BA3F6F8A787FAA2AD6E9F7D457/pdf/23_02178_LBC-CONSERVATION_COMMENT-1286119.pdf)  that mentions the undesirable impact that the proposed changes would have to the historic fabric of the building, including removal of the dumb waiter.  

Sun 17 Aug, 14:36

I'm for one looking forward to the Cornerhouse being upgraded and once again being fit for purpose for everyone in Charlbury to use. 

Good luck!

Sun 17 Aug, 13:39

Have any planning  permissions granted ? As this is a listed building I thought. John H

Sun 17 Aug, 13:09

Why is this work happening and why was it necessary to remove the dumb waiter? In readiness for the deli to move in?

Sun 17 Aug, 08:24

The doorway has been permanently blocked up and will eventually become a sink area for Cornerstone. In time, after the kitchen has been renovated, there will be two access doors, one in the Ann Downer room and one from the back garden.

Sat 16 Aug, 23:21

Re: blocked up doorway. What happened to the door that used to be there?

Sat 16 Aug, 17:22 (last edited on Sun 17 Aug, 08:59)

We're now insulating and re-laying the Albright Room (back kitchen) floor;  and so for the next few days it will not be a suitable space to receive books etc for sale.  Since I'm also away for the next few days, may we ask you kindly not to bring any more books, games etc to the Corner House for the coming week.  We'll be glad to receive them again from Monday 25th.

You may have discovered that the former doorway into the Albright Room from the Corner House hallway has been blocked up. (It's now an alcove where, in time, Cornerstone will have a sink.)  Access to the Albright Room is now through a newly-opened doorway in the Anne Downer Room.

News of all our Corner House developments, and a discussion about future possibilities for the building, will be shared at our Annual Public Meeting on Friday 26 September.  Do join us for that!