WEAVERHAM Trust is looking to raise funds to restore a major community building to its former glory.
The Barrymore Institute, one of the village's most distinctive buildings, was built in 1907 and was once well used by groups in the area.
But it has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years and is currently only used by the Weaverham Weightlifters' Club.
Tony Daffern, chairman of the trust, said he would like to see the institute renovated by the time of its centenary but said it would take a lot of hard work.
He said it could cost £20,000 just to make it totally safe and secure and a lot more money would be needed to turn it into a major community facility.
He said: "We are trying to establish some sort of association to get grant aid for it and we are looking into the possibility of setting up a new management team to control it and finance it."
Mr Daffern said they needed to acquire charitable status before they could progress much further, as well as generating more interest in the village.
The building began its life as a meeting place for the young men of the village and it initially had impressive facilities such as billiard tables, a library and a bowling green.
However, it became less well used after the First World War. Since then, it has been used by various groups, including the Cheshire Education Committee and the Women's Institute.
Mr Daffern added: "The building has been there all my life and I would like to see it stay. It would be nice to see it continue for another 100 years.
"We would like to see it listed to protect it, but we don't think it is old enough or quirky enough. But there is nowhere else like it in Weaverham."
rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk
