HAVING stood derelict for over a decade, the historic warehouse at Great Bow Yard, Langport, will be re-opened by Ecos Homes and the Langport Area Development Trust on April 27 and 28.

The open days will give people the first opportunity to see how the Grade II listed building is being sustainably restored and rebuilt, to provide eight serviced offices, community space for workshops and events, and a bistro serving local and organic produce.

Charles Couzens, Executive Director of Ecos Trust, said: "We are very pleased to be re-opening the doors of such a prominent building, which has been in a state of dereliction for such a long time. The warehouse is of great historic value to the town and we have been sensitive to this throughout the project, during which we have preserved as much of the building's original character as possible.

"Our vision is that the building will become a valuable community resource that will encourage economic regeneration by offering space for fledgling or existing businesses, training, exhibitions and support facilities. Although there is still work to be done, we want to show visitors what has been achieved in the warehouse in the last year and they'll also get a glimpse of its idyllic surroundings beside the River Parrett and Somerset Levels."

Restored, the warehouse will complete the picture of Great Bow Yard as a mixed-use development - 12 eco-homes, built using state of the art design, and the multi-functional warehouse, brought back to life with sympathetic construction techniques. The warehouse will be opened officially in September when ownership of the building will be handed to the LADT - partner to Ecos Homes during the project.