The Community Hall is at a crossroads.
We would welcome your views.

Community Hall Review

The Community Hall’s heating system has failed, and the building is no longer operating in a sustainable way.

Temporary heaters are currently being used, but these are not a long-term solution and affect comfort, usability and running costs.

Alongside this, the hall operates at a financial loss and requires ongoing subsidy from public funds.

The Parish Council is therefore reviewing the future of the hall to determine whether it should be improved, managed differently, or whether alternative options should be considered.

Have your say

We are asking residents, hall users and local groups to share their views.

• Do you currently use the hall? If so, for what purpose?
• What would make the hall more useful, comfortable or attractive to use?
• Would you support investment in the building?
• Are there alternative uses, management models or partnerships we should consider?

Please send your feedback by 5 May 2026 to the Parish Clerk.

The current situation

The heating failure has brought wider issues with the hall into sharper focus.

• Heating failure: The main heating system has failed. Temporary heaters are being used, but they are not a proper long-term solution.
• Reduced comfort and usability: Without reliable heating, the hall is harder to use during colder months and less attractive to hirers.
• Falling use: Two key groups have left. Around 12 regular hirers remain and overall demand has reduced.
• Annual loss: The hall generates approximately £12,000 per year but costs around £20,000 to run, requiring a subsidy of about £8,000 per year from public funds.
• Roof condition: A survey identified significant issues. £50,000–£100,000 may be required within the next 5–10 years.
• Outdated facility: The building is around 60 years old and struggles to meet modern expectations. A newer hall nearby offers better facilities and parking.

Options under consideration

The Parish Council has identified two primary options, alongside other approaches that could also be explored.

• Option A – Invest in the hall:
  Install a new heating system, estimated at around £38,000, and continue operating the hall with a defined review period to assess whether usage and income improve.
• Option B – Consider alternative approaches:
  Stop further major capital investment and explore options such as leasing the building to a third party or, if not viable, closing and disposing of the asset.

Other approaches may also be considered, including:

• Short-term or temporary heating solutions to allow continued use while longer-term decisions are made
• Changes to how the hall is managed or operated
• Partnerships with local organisations or service providers
• Phased improvements, subject to external funding

No decision has been made. Your feedback will help shape the final approach.

Why a decision is needed now

To ensure the hall has working heating for winter 2026/27, key steps must happen in sequence:

• May–June 2026: Decision on the future of the hall
• June–September 2026: Funding, approvals and procurement (typically 3–4 months)
• Autumn 2026: Installation and commissioning of heating system
• Winter 2026/27: Hall available for use with reliable heating

If a decision is delayed, the hall may not have a suitable heating system in place for winter use.