Project update: Vicarage Park Community Hall, Poulton

Phase one of the renovation of the Vicarage Park Community Hall  in Poulton is nearing completion.
Work underway at Vicarage Park Community Hall in PoultonWork underway at Vicarage Park Community Hall in Poulton
Work underway at Vicarage Park Community Hall in Poulton

A £150,000 scheme has seen repairs made to the former church hall which was ruled structurally unsound in 2013.

It had been earmarked for demolition in 2009 but plans to replace it with a medical centre were thrown out.

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Work has included installing new toilets, a kitchen and sound and lighting equipment for the theatre.

The exterior has been rendered and painted.

In January 2014 the VPCC (Vicarage Park Community Centre) was formed as a charitable trust to take over management of the hall.

Following two substantial donations from local benefactors sufficient funds were in place to start work and the hall is set to reopen in late spring or early summer.Groups including the Chaddeans Theatre Group hope to return to the hall.

The charity has a 35-year lease on the building, and wants to raise another £150,000 for phase two of the scheme to add an extension and improve the heating and insulation.

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Chris Gannon, one of the charity trustees, said: “Most of the non- skilled and labouring jobs have been undertaken by members of the charity and local volunteers.

“We have also received a grant from Wyre Council under their Shaping Your Neighbourhood Scheme and been supported by local traders offering discounted materials and services etc.

“This has enabled us to save a lot of money and complete most of the work in a very short time span.

“Once the hall is in full operation and supporting the community it is hoped the door will be opened to more substantial grants from the Lottery and environmental funds.”

For more information, go to www.vpcc-Hall.org.uk and [email protected]