Hutton Roof Village Hall
Re-opening celebration for the village hall.
Category: Community buildings
In 2023, Hutton Roof Village Hall committee commenced renovations made possible through multiple sources of funding, including the National Lottery funded Community Spaces Partnership Pilot, and the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall grant. The hall previously suffered from an awkward shape due to a kitchen being positioned in the corner of the hall which limited the usefulness and accessibility of the building. With no alternative storage space, the problem was exacerbated by the amount of furniture being stored in the hall, which further limited the available space.
As a result of the project, the hall has been fitted with an extension along the length of the building, providing space for a new larger kitchen, a storeroom, and small meeting space. In doing so, this has liberated all of the original hall space, making the hall a better location for holding events and activities. A raised patio and access ramp has also been added with bifold door access which showcase the fantastic views from the hall. The full-width folding doors integrates the field outside with the internal space, making it an appealing space for weddings, big parties, etc.
Where
Hutton Roof.
What are you most proud of?
Despite the rising costs of materials and services brought about as a result of COVID, the hall was able to raise the money it needed to complete the renovations through obtaining ten different funding sources. In completing the renovations, the hall has been transformed into a space which can be used by all of the community and it is now home to several fitness classes per week, including Pilates, yoga, line dancing, and Zumba which, in turn, benefit the health of people living in the local area. The hall has also been used to host home schooling, children’s parties and private bookings as well as Beavers and Cubs clubs. The space has become well-known as a venue for private functions including children’s parties, craft workshops, and even weddings.
How did you get people involved?
The local community have always been close-knit and willing to get behind initiatives which will support the community as a whole. Our annual fell race and country fair brings everyone together and the village WhatsApp group has been a great way of appealing for help when it has been needed throughout the project.
What difference did the project make?
The hall is now being used much more and for a wider range of activities as a result of the renovations, with the space receiving a large number of compliments from its users. The addition of windows have allowed the space to feel more bright and airy and helped to draw attention to the stunning views from the site. The renovations have also helped to make the hall more energy efficient, through the additions of double glazing and insulation which, together with our previous projects to install solar PV and efficient electric heating, help to make the hall warmer.
What do you wish you had known at the start?
Considering we’ve done lots of projects at the hall in recent years, this was ten times bigger than anything done before. Despite having raised a significant amount of funds ourselves, we also needed to get grants from a range of different grant funders which was a challenge. We couldn’t have done it without ACT’s help.
If we were to repeat the project, it would help to have at least two main contacts working together, to oversee things day to day and report to the wider committee. A small subcommittee can be more responsive for day to day communications but also support each other. Due to the scale of the project, a more detailed tender document and quotes would have also helped to monitor progress of different items of work as they were completed.
What do you hope for the future of your project?
The next stage of the renovations will involve updating the toilets as these are still original and in need of revamping.
Exterior photo of the rear of the village hall.