About
Old School Thornhill (OST) is a beautifully restored historic building at the heart of Thornhill, now operating as a community hub, workspace, cinema and event venue.
What was once the village school is now a vibrant multi-purpose space supporting local businesses, community groups, arts and culture and social activity across the community.
We host a wide range of events and activities throughout the year, from concerts, cinema screenings and workshops to meetings, conferences and community celebrations. We now welcome around 500 visitors every month and that number continues to grow.
A place for community, creativity
and enterprise
OST brings together community activity, creative enterprise and local collaboration under one roof.
The building includes:
A 100-seat drill hall with theatre and cinema facilities
A community room and meeting space
A youth space for clubs and activities
A community kitchen and garden
Co-working and studio space for local businesses
Electric vehicle charging points
We are also home to five micro-business tenants:
David Olbaldeston, Penpont-based internationally renowned artist
Together these businesses contribute to a growing creative and entrepreneurial community within the building.
A hub for local activity
OST hosts a wide range of regular groups, events and initiatives.
These include:
Community cinema screenings
Live music and cultural events
Youth programmes including Lego Club, Art Club and Dance Club
Workshops, training sessions and conferences
Local clubs and community meetings
Volunteer-led community gardening
We also coordinate the Thornhill Community Food Initiative, supporting local residents each week.
How it started
The idea for Old School Thornhill began in 2016, when a small group of local parents started discussing the future of the Old School building.
That conversation grew into the Thornhill Collective, a community group formed in 2017 to save and redevelop the building as a shared community space.
With strong local support and funding from key partnersg, the project transformed the historic school into the vibrant community asset it is today.
Old School Thornhill officially opened in Spring 2024.
Looking ahead
Old School Thornhill is still at the beginning of its journey. As our events programme grows and more organisations use the building, we aim to double the number of visitors over the next two years.
Our vision remains the same as when the project first began - to create a welcoming space that supports community life, creativity and rural enterprise in Thornhill and the surrounding area.
We believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and lasting impact. What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.
