A 16th century barn, reputed to be the scene of an historic meeting between Oliver Cromwell and Lord Fairfax, is set for a new lease of life with a £1.4 million refurbishment.

The barn, next to Leeds Bradford Airport, will become a new shop and restaurant for a charity which makes a difference to the lives of disadvantaged people who have slipped off the radar of the local authority support networks.

A staff of 60, supplemented by a 150-strong army of volunteers, work for Caring for Life and have helped around 3,500 vulnerable people make a fresh start in life during the past 25 years.

While the economic downturn has increased the Christian charity’s caseload, it has also highlighted the need for new revenue streams. Currently the charity, based at Crag House Farm on the outskirts of Yeadon, runs a cafe and shop called The Granary, which has become a successful social enterprise.

Serving the farm’s own beef, lamb and sausages, freshly-baked bread, home-made cakes, preserves and home-grown salad leaves, The Granary has ensured a steady income stream for the charity, inspiring plans for a larger operation in the barn next door.

The Grade 2 listed building is undergoing a £1.44 million transformation and will become the home of a new shop and restaurant in the autumn.

Caring For Life co-founder and former Baptist minister Peter Parkinson said: “Some of these people here have known no real love or affection in their lives before, so that’s what we try to give them. It doesn’t matter if they’re royalty or someone who has come to us with a criminal record, they deserve the best we can give them.”

Townscape Architects, based in Harrogate, will be working on the refurbishment.

Nick Silcock, from the the firm, said: “The magnificent ancient oak frame dates back as far as 1522, but we are delighted to see so much of the original wood is being retained and repaired during the restoration, which is remarkable when you know a bit more about the building’s history.

“By bringing the old barn back into full use, the charity will preserve the oak frame for posterity.”