The Stable Block is the part of the halls complex which we have assessed as in most need of repair and refurbishment. It is also the part which contains 4 of our 5 rooms for hire and our staff offices. Thus, it is the most used part of the halls by a wide diversity of groups of all ages. It has been serving as All Saints Parish Halls since 1924 and after 100 years of use it needs sympathetic modernising, whilst taking into account the building’s complex layout and age.

The intention is to consider our Main Hall, built in the 1960s, when we can. PCC remains committed to monitoring its condition to allow it to be kept open and safe to use.

As set out in the pledge form, PCC will prioritise the work to be undertaken on the Stable Block, which can be divided into different elements, to match funds available.

As set out in the pledge form, PCC has approved the funds to be used for improvement and/ or ongoing essential repair and maintenance of the whole halls complex.

No, the halls are NOT a Listed Building. Our current understanding is that work proposed will not require planning consent, but any consents will be obtained as required.

As required under Church of England regulations, we had the last Quinquennial Inspection (QI) in 2024. The scope of this project includes addressing issues raised in the QI where relevant to the Stable Block and main staff office, where not already been undertaken.

The start date for the project is dependent on how quickly we can secure the funds, tender the contracts and then schedule in the work. However, we are hoping to undertake in 2027. The current advice is to allow for a 20-week project (but it may be less).

We will need to take expert advice in terms of health and safety issues involved. There may be weeks when it is not possible for the halls to be available for hire, but we will seek to minimise disruption to hirers as far as possible and to provide as much notice as possible if we need to close the building. We will be in regular contact with regular hirers and in particular the pre-school which occupies Room 2.

We currently have around 35 groups who hire out rooms in our halls on a regular basis (i.e. most weeks / months) of which around two thirds hire rooms in the stable block. We will be contacting all regular hirers including those who hire the main halls and will be giving them opportunities to meet with the project team to hear about our plans.

The project aims to refurbish the rooms. There will be no reconfiguration of the rooms apart from Room 4 (ground floor) where we hope to put in wheelchair access and a disabled toilet. Thus, we envisage the rooms will be available as currently.

PCC has a policy of reviewing the hire out charges on annual basis. PCC chose not to increase the charges from April 2026 pending a review of certain costs (new energy contracts from October 2026.) Currently there is no intention to raise the hire charges specifically related to this refurbishment project.

The refurbishment project will not be changing the availability of the large storage rooms currently available. The planned refurbishment of the ground floor rooms (Rooms 4 and 5 on the plan), will change the storage arrangements currently in place but the redesign will enhance the arrangements and provide dedicated storage space.

The budget as currently approved does not envisage changes to the outside space. We anticipate leaving the lower carpark as currently set out but will ensure disabled parking is facilitated. We will be ensuring a programme of upkeep.

We would love to hear from you if you feel you have time and expertise to help us take forward the project. If you have skills/ experience in making grant applications, project management and administration, please let us know.

At this stage of the project, we would prefer financial donations due to the nature of the work required.