The Need For A New Community Centre

Why do we need to do anything?

The current building is well presented, has a lovely garden to the front, and a large garden of grass and trees around the sides and back of the building. The hall is in a lovely location, with the main hall doors facing west towards the village green. The building has been well maintained over the years, and is still in daily use by groups, businesses, individuals, as a Polling Station, an evacuation point for local nursing homes, and refuge for residents in an emergency – such as the village flooding.

However, there are issues that we need to address:

• The building does not meet current standards for accessibility, safeguarding, and road safety.
• Running and maintenance costs have outstripped income.
• Lack of insulation causes heat loss and solar gain.
• The heating system does not fully heat the main hall.
• The consumer board and wiring need to be replaced.
• There are not enough toilets.
• The office is not big enough to accommodate the PCC Pastoral and Administrative staff.
• The kitchen needs to be modernised.

It does not meet User Needs

• Only one room can be used at any time as there is no soundproofing between the main hall and the smaller room.
• There are not enough letting rooms, leading to loss of potential users.
• The heating system is inadequate and noisy.
• Insufficient power sockets and poorly placed light switches.
• Limited toilet facilities.
• The front door is not accessible for wheelchair users.
• Insufficient parking spaces.
• Inadequate hall capacity for events.
• Insufficient storage for tables and chairs.

It costs more to run and maintain than we can generate in income

The cost of running and maintaining the current building has outstripped the maximum income that can be raised from hire charges. Without additional letting rooms, the only way to increase income is by raising hire charges, which could drive users away.

It does not meet current Regulations

• Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access and no automatic door.
• Equality: No changing facilities for men with children.
• Safeguarding: Requires separate facilities for children.
• Access to Car Park: Narrow drop kerb with poor visibility.
• Car Parking: Only five parking spaces, but GBC regulations require a minimum of 10.
• Road Safety: New regulations would require wider access with parking restrictions.