Hope for Christchurch's Druitt Hall as sponsors are found (From Bournemouth Echo)

Hope for Christchurch's Druitt Hall as sponsors are found

2:30pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Christchurch By Katie Clark

THERE may be light at the end of the tunnel for supporters of Druitt Hall after “additional sponsors” have been found to help fund a new hall.

According to one of the Friends of Druitt Hall, more sponsors have now been located to help build a new affordable hall. It is hoped this will be a replacement for the old one.

Earlier this year, the group, formed to help prolong the life of the dilapidated building in the town centre, were told the hall would be demolished on March 31 next year.

Councillors at Christchurch voted unanimously to close the hall, despite hundreds of protestations and a campaign to try and save it.

Campaigners had even offered, in conjunction with the council and other agencies, to try and fundraise to improve the state of the old facility.

But despite their fight, the decision was made, forcing the group to focus on building a new one.

At a meeting to be held in September with supporters and members of the group, plans for a new hall will be outlined.

It is the group’s intention for the new building to act as a community hub, providing on-site management, marketing, mailing, membership and other services for all local groups and societies who want to be included in the project.

Chairman of the Friends of Druitt Hall, David O’Sullivan, described the news as a “very exciting development”.

Elliot Marx, one of the members of the Friends said: “It is brilliant news that we have found these extra sponsors.

“I can’t give away any more details at the moment but more information will be given at a meeting in September.

“We are very excited about it. The importance of a modern town centre community hall for the future of the Christchurch community is widely acknowledged.”

To attend the meeting in September email druitthall2012@ yahoo.co.uk for meeting details.