Community Hall refurb completed

HDT were proud to support the major refurbishment project that has seen the Rixton-with-Glazebrook Community Hall brought up to modern day standards. The project is now complete and the Hall is open for hire and community use, after being closed for nearly 2 years.

The popular Hall in Hollins Green had become dated and in need of a major facelift, having been regularly used for 50 years. The Hall Committee’s aim for the project was for the Hall to be aesthetically pleasing with a clean-look that would be acceptable for weddings and prestigious functions, as well as fit for community group activities. This has definitely been achieved, with the Hall now looking attractive as well as functional.

The project has taken several months to complete with Covid bringing about its own challenges, giving rise to delays, price increases due to availability of materials, and shortage of skilled tradesmen. Refurbishing a 70’s building has also brought some difficulties, not least the inevitable uncovering of underlying problems. However, with hard work the project team have managed to overcome these, and the parish and the wider community now have a Hall that will give many more years of great community service.

The Hall committee are pleased to have been able to use the skills and expertise of local businesses, tradesmen, and a local designer to bring the project to fruition. Visible improvements to the Hall have included: new toilets, kitchen and bar area refit, new lighting, new flooring to foyer and hall, and new electric curtains to the stage. To bring the facility up to modern day standards and to make it sustainable for future use, much of the budget was needed to cover important unseen elements including new roof; complete electrical rewire and a new heating system. The new look and landscaping to the front of the building speaks for itself with planting, new lighting and revised disabled access and drop-off area welcoming visitors in.

Of course, a project of this size needs a lot of money and the Hall Committee wish to thank all those who enabled this project to get off the ground with their financial support including: HDT (£200,000+); Rixton with Glazebrook Parish Council (£25,000); Rotary Club of Irlam (£15,000); Hall Committee (£10,000). In addition, special thanks to Hall Committee member Mary Barbour for securing £15,000 in additional grants from four different funds. Not forgetting the hours of staff and trustee’s time HDT have given to help steer the project and manage the task of financial administration. Voluntary input by Hall committee members has also been invaluable to the project, liaising with the building team, being hands on with clearance and clean up ready for use, and not least in keeping the hall’s requirements in line with budget.

After nearly 2 years of putting their social activities on hold, Community Groups are now looking forward to returning to the Hall. Bookings for the hire of this fantastic facility have already taken place and more are coming in. If you wish to hire the Hall for a one-off function or community activity, please contact: [email protected] or call 07709 840200.

Posted on: 9th December 2021