New lease set to secure hall future after years of uncertainty

The Druitt Hall Community Association have been granted a 10 year lease for the hall, from October 2017.

It comes after years of uncertainty for users, with a campaign launched to save it in 2011, after it was threatened with closure.

Members of the council's policy and resources committee voted unanimously to renew the lease last week.

A report said: "The Druitt Hall Community Association has taken great care of Druitt Hall and made some valuable improvements to the building in the last three years, raising funds from external sources, and increasing both footfall and income.

"There is a sound business case presented by the association to encourage the council to renew the lease on a longer term basis, and doing so would not only ensure the continued level of care that the community gives to the facility but will also help them raise more funding to make further improvements."

A report from the association said their long-term aim was to develop the community hall to 'its full potential', making further internal improvements and updating windows and insulation.

It adds: "There is scope yet to increase the capacity of Druitt Hall and the diversity of its use by the reconstruction of the Markham Room at the rear of the hall.

"This would allow a positive response to enquiries from pre-school groups who need a permanent space throughout the week. "

Chris Guest, trustee of Druitt Hall Community Association, said: "This is a success story for all concerned, from the six current trustees back through all the supporters, volunteers and campaigners.

"This lease will provide hiring groups with confidence in their own future.

"It allows DHCA to actively seek larger grant funding for the improvement of the hall.

"With the probable closure of Priory Hall the need for such a community space in the town is all the stronger and we shall do our best to ensure that Druitt Hall continues to serve the community in the best way possible."