The building, constructed using conventional bricks and roof tiles, originally consisted of a main hall, small kitchen annex, two small changing rooms, entrance foyer and toilets.

During 2002 the Management Committee considered the following needs.

Great Barton is rurally disadvantaged and has a large population of elderly people. The Village Hall forms a central point for the community.

The premises are well used but do not provide sufficient space and facilities for present and other potential users.

Opened in 1952 the premises are basic and primitive, comprising a main hall, small kitchen, toilets and small changing rooms. There is no provision for those who are disadvantaged or very young. Storage and access are also safety issues.

A large scheme costing £350,000 had been submitted to the National lottery Community Fund but was eventually rejected. We were advised that funding from this source would not be forthcoming in the foreseeable future

This scheme included an urgent need to replace the roof over the main hall that had become structurally unsafe. Due to its urgency alternative funding was obtained and the roof replaced in November 2002.

 

In January 2003 the Village Hall Management Committee with the support of the community confirmed an urgent need to refurbish the premises for the following reasons:

 

· No meeting room for small groups.

· No suitable accommodation for small activity classes.

· No suitable accommodation for our newly formed Computer Club.

· Inadequate and unsafe storage space and facilities.

· Kitchen inadequate to cater for an active luncheon club.

· Toilets need upgrading.

· No provision for the disabled and disadvantaged or baby changing.

· Non-compliance of Health, Safety and Hygiene Regulations.

· Car park entrance is unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.

· Sports facilities and changing rooms need upgrading.

· The Luncheon Club is severely restricted and cannot expand

· The main hall is in need of refurbishment

· The Village Hall will be used as a centre in the event of a local emergency.

 

To resolve these issues it was proposed to:

 

¨ Provide a new modern kitchen.

¨ Provide a new entrance off the car park with foyer.

¨ Refurbish the existing toilets

¨ Refurbish the Main Hall

¨ Provide safe and additional storage space.

¨ Establish a self contained meeting room

¨ Provide improved sports / stage facilities

¨ Encourage the disadvantaged to join groups and to participate in their activities by providing an accessible toilet and safe access for their needs.

¨ Provide baby changing facilities

 

We have designed a scheme to provide the minimum improvements that would meet our requirements.

 

The scheme smaller than originally proposed is designed to meet the needs that are urgently required to enable us to provide the social, leisure and learning facilities for the community as a whole.

 

 

 

Benefits and Sustainability

The enlarged premises and improved facilities proposed will provide an ideal focal point for the village and will help to promote community relationships, leisure and sporting activities, social gatherings and educational studies for all ages. In particular the new premises will help to encourage those who are young, disabled, disadvantaged or elderly, as facilities will be provided for them.

The site is located in the centre of the village with easy access off a main road and adequate car parking. The provision of additional accommodation and better facilities will avoid the need to travel outside the village thus reducing the use of motor cars.

The project will help sustain a vital village service to a priority group who would normally be excluded from activity that provides support and avenues to develop community spirit.

Social Impact

The Management Committee actively promotes a culture of equality and diversity and works to make this effective within the community.

The village hall acts as a focal point and is available to all. The activities that take place bring together people of all ages, race and religion for the benefit of all and the companionship that results.

The Seniors Luncheon Club, Computer Club, Jo Jingles Children’s Musical Activities, Players Drama Group, Art Club, Women’s Institute, Dog Club, Flower Club and Football Clubs are examples of groups that meet our aims by providing a social focus to the lives of many giving them an activity to look forward to and prepare for and also becomes a talking point for days afterwards.

The playing field provides sporting activities for young and old, men and women, boys and girls including many that live outside the village.

These activities bring together a diverse range of people, many of who live on their own. They provide a time for these people to meet and socialise in a local environment. The activities also involve large numbers of helpers and organisers who coach, organise, shop, prepare, transport, fundraise etc. on a voluntary basis throughout the year.

This project does not only provide the facilities and accommodation that is required, but will sustain the social needs that are essential in a rural community.

Environmental Impact

Great Barton is a rural village and people rely heavily upon transport for every day needs. Public transport is limited making it difficult for young and old to travel outside the village. The provision of better facilities at the Village Hall means that those who travel by car elsewhere to participate in similar activities do not have to make these journeys. Less fuel will therefore be used with a reduction in air pollution and traffic congestion.

The original building was unsightly with several flat roofs and drab appearance.

The building works to date have been designed to use efficient water and heating systems, good insulation values and low maintenance.

The external appearance of the premises has been improved enhanced.

Project Management

A volunteer working group, led by our Project Manager, has been responsible for the planning and execution of all phases of work.

In house control of building works, competitive tendering and work by volunteers will ensure best value build.

All phases of work have been completed on time and within estimated costs.

 

 

The building programme has been dependent upon funding from various sources:

- Village Hall Funds

- Village Organisations
- Parish Council

- Business

- Local Authorities

- Awards for All Lottery

- Trusts, Charities, Foundations and Business

- Government Funded Schemes

 

 

 

Current Position – September 2009

 

Phase 0

The main hall roof was replaced at a cost of £30,000

Completed in November 2002 with a 50% grant from St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Local Fundraising.

 

 

Phase 1

The kitchen annex was built at a cost of £75,000

Completed in August 2004 with grant aid from St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk Environmental Trust Awards for All, other various sources and Local Fundraising.

 

 

Phase 2

The Community Meeting Room and refurbished toilets were provided at a cost of £89,000

Completed in September 2005 with grant aid funding from DEFRA’s Rural Development Programme and Local Fundraising.

 

 

Phase 3

The Changing Rooms annex cost of £84,200. Completed in August 2007 with grant funding from various sources and local fundraising.

 

 

 

 

Phase 4

The main hall was refurbished in January 2008 to provide a quality wood floor, redecoration and upgraded lighting at a cost of £6,300.

This could not have been achieved without the generous financial support provided by COMMA, The Community Aggregated Fund supported by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), DEFRA and Rural Community Councils. Also fundraising support and volunteer work by the Village Hall Management Committee and local organisations.

 

 

Phase 5

On 13th September 2009 Chris Allen, Chair of the Community Investment Focus Group of the Havebury Housing Partnership opened "The Annexe". The project was completed to time and budget. Thanks go to the following organizations who provided the £76,300 building cost.

Suffolk Environmental Trust

St Edmundsbury Borough Council

Havebury Housing Partnership

Suffolk County Council

Great Barton Parish Council
Also thanks to the many community groups and individuals who contributed to the project and continue to work so hard throughout the year.

A permanent plaque acknowledging the funding that was provided for this project is displayed in the annexe.

 

PT 13.9.09