An open day and community consultation to showcase the plans to redevelop one of Penzance’s historic buildings into a vibrant music centre will take place later this month.

New local charity MusicAbility Foundation will host the exhibition at 10 Parade Street in the town on Thursday, January 19, when details will be on show about the work of the charity and the proposed restoration of the building.

Members of the public and anyone with an interest in the redevelopment of the building are invited to attend either of the ‘drop-in’ sessions between 10.30am and 1pm and 2.30pm and 7pm.

People will have the opportunity to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and offer their feedback on the plans.

Working in partnership with the Architectural Heritage Fund, the charitable foundation aims to bring 10 Parade Street in Penzance back to life over the next five years, extending the building to create music therapy facilities, performance areas and workspaces.

The first stage in the development of the building has been completed with the creation of a well-equipped and dedicated music therapy room to meet the needs of individuals and families, working closely with local schools, social care, and mental health services.

The next stage is to create a second music therapy space to allow level access for wheelchair users and clients with mobility needs.

Considerations being made include an extension into the existing car park recreating the original footprint of the listed building, which will house a new public-facing entrance. Works inside the building are to include soundproofing, double glazing, a new stage and seating in the main hall, toilets, kitchen and reception space, office, storage, and workspace for visiting music teachers.

The Architectural Heritage Fund is currently funding an extensive feasibility study to consider all aspects of the development including the sensitive restoration of the building and benefit to the local community.

Tim Boulton, MusicAbility Foundation’s chief executive officer, said: “Our open day and community consultation is a fantastic opportunity for local people and interested parties to come in and see the building, have a look at our plans and offer their feedback. It is vital that our wonderful building on Parade Street is used to benefit the whole community and the input from local people is hugely important in this process.”

He added: “Our goal is to return this building back to its former glory and update it for modern-day use. Retaining the building’s historic features and beautiful original detailing is key. Any alterations need to be carefully considered – we want to preserve the heritage in the building but bring it up to standard as a modern, thriving, and lively public centre.”

Ruth Boulton, chief operations officer for MusicAbility, added, “We want the facilities to continue to be used even when the building work is taking place. We would like to create a new contemporary and eco-friendly extension, full of light and openness. It’s important that we build as ethically and sustainably as we can with a low-carbon footprint, becoming a beacon for sustainability.”

The consultation period will run from Thursday, January 19 until Thursday, February 2, and a virtual exhibition will be available to view on MusicAbility’s website during this time. Visitors to the site will be able to take part in the consultation online and leave their feedback via an online form.

MusicAbility’s current priority is to raise awareness of the facility and raise funds to support the building works. The foundation hopes to access funding from other charitable bodies and welcomes donations from local businesses, organisations, and individuals.