Why a new hall?
The old hall was dilapidated and was not fit for continued use, particularly as it was used regularly by the local primary school.
Before the build
A planning sub-group of the Amenities Committee, led by Keith Mitchell set out to get funding for a new building. It was vital to be able to put in money ourselves so it was decided, as well as getting planning permission for the new hall to get planning permission for the land the old hall was on and sell that as a significant contribution towards the overall cost.
The turning point came with a succesful application to the Big Lottery for £345,000 which with funds raised from the sale of the old hall and grants from other sources gave us a total budget of £450,000. We could not have undertaken the build without financial backing and support from many quarters and the main ones are identified below.
Owl Architects of Ipswich drew up plans which, after much discussion, debate and some compromise, were agreed.
The build
Work on the foundations started on 24th January 2010 and shortly hit problems through heavy rain and excess groundwater which set the whole schedule back. Some of the time lost was regained and by mid-March the brickwork and inner walls were being laid. By July the roof structure was complete and tiling began. Electical and other fitting work started in August and the building was completed in late November. Initially the building suffered from excessive noise reverberation but this was solved by the addition of accoustic panels.
Use of the village hall
While the Amenities CommIttee had lots of ideas for the hall, it was important to seek the views of the Village as a whole. In October 2010 a meeting in the old hall set out to encourage local people to express their views and many of the ideas put forward where taken up. These are evident on the Regular Activities page and we now have a thriving and developing programme of activities. We are always looking for new ideas so if you have any then contact Mike Upton our events organiser on 01328 701533.
The old hall was dilapidated and was not fit for continued use, particularly as it was used regularly by the local primary school.
Before the build
A planning sub-group of the Amenities Committee, led by Keith Mitchell set out to get funding for a new building. It was vital to be able to put in money ourselves so it was decided, as well as getting planning permission for the new hall to get planning permission for the land the old hall was on and sell that as a significant contribution towards the overall cost.
The turning point came with a succesful application to the Big Lottery for £345,000 which with funds raised from the sale of the old hall and grants from other sources gave us a total budget of £450,000. We could not have undertaken the build without financial backing and support from many quarters and the main ones are identified below.
Owl Architects of Ipswich drew up plans which, after much discussion, debate and some compromise, were agreed.
The build
Work on the foundations started on 24th January 2010 and shortly hit problems through heavy rain and excess groundwater which set the whole schedule back. Some of the time lost was regained and by mid-March the brickwork and inner walls were being laid. By July the roof structure was complete and tiling began. Electical and other fitting work started in August and the building was completed in late November. Initially the building suffered from excessive noise reverberation but this was solved by the addition of accoustic panels.
Use of the village hall
While the Amenities CommIttee had lots of ideas for the hall, it was important to seek the views of the Village as a whole. In October 2010 a meeting in the old hall set out to encourage local people to express their views and many of the ideas put forward where taken up. These are evident on the Regular Activities page and we now have a thriving and developing programme of activities. We are always looking for new ideas so if you have any then contact Mike Upton our events organiser on 01328 701533.
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Laura Apps-Green, Development Officer, Breckland Coundcil
Mark Kiddle-Morris, Councillor, Breckland Council Stuart Offord, Owl Architects |
T H Blyth & Sons Ltd
Claypit Road, Foulsham, Dereham, NR20 5RW Tel: 01362 683225 |
