Hale Village Hall is being completely rebuilt after Halton Borough Council worked with Hale Parish Council to secure almost £500k from the Big Lottery Fund. Now you can be a part of it, forever.
People are being encouraged to buy-a-brick in support of this new village hall project which will cost about £655k in total. Work has already started and is expected to be completed next month.
Partners secured £499,710 from Big Lottery Fund through its Reaching Communities buildings fund. Funding also came from Viridor Credits; WREN; Garfield Weston; Foyle Foundation, Hale Parish Council and Halton Borough Council.
The new building, on the site of the current one, will include a reception, main hall, smaller hall area, community meeting room and office space, along with new WCs and increased storage space. There will be improved car parking and the approach to the hall will be landscaped.
The many, varied meetings and functions which take place in the hall provide an essential social service to the residents of the village and from the many visitors from Halton and beyond that visit Hale.
The new building will provide the opportunity to widen the scope of these activities and services and will attract new groups and users to hire the hall.
Ward councillor and Deputy Leader of Halton Council, Cllr Mike Wharton, says: “The Village Hall was in a very poor condition, but is needed as a the focal point for the various groups that exist in the village and is a popular venue for meetings and recreational activities for residents.
“At last villagers will be able to enjoy a modern purpose-built hall that will make use of all the latest energy-efficient technologies.
“This shows what can be achieved when Halton Borough Council works closely with the Parish Council and residents. Now YOU have the chance to be involved too. You can buy a brick and be known for ever as being a part of our village history.”
The new hall will have additional meeting rooms and a wider range of activities including an Art Group; Sewing Group; Craft Group; Bingo Group; Tai Chi Classes; Sequence Dancing Group; Keep Fit Classes, Line Dancing Group; Children’s’ Dance Classes; Children’s Drama Group and a fundraising Coffee Shop. The building will be available for hire to the wider community for functions and parties.
There is an opportunity for the facility to be used by businesses and service providers who want to put on training courses, advice sessions, health clinics, use office and catering facilities or, potentially, base their business or service in the village.
The project is in receipt of funding from a range of grant funders but still needs to raise a contribution to the new build in order that the works are fully completed. Residents who buy a brick will have their name included on a plaque which will be on display for all to see.
If you would like to contribute to this vital new facility for Hale, please email tinarogerssmith@btinternet.com or call Evelyn on 0151 425 2635.