WORK is underway to create a new long-term lease for a community hall in Christchurch town centre.

Christchurch Town Council's resources committee has agreed to terminate the existing lease at Druitt Hall and create a new 30-year lease.

Members felt starting the new lease immediately rather than waiting for the current lease to expire in September 2027 would ‘simplify the process’.

A report shared with the committee at its September meeting stated that the Druitt Hall Community Association (DHCA) had drafted a lease which could be considered as a ‘basis’ for the new 30 year lease.

However, the report expressed concerns about the draft lease, stating it was a 'significant departure from the original lease with Christchurch Borough Council'.

It was decided that the committee and the Premises Project Board (PPB) would review the draft lease, sharing any revisions with the DHCA and solicitor.

The final lease will then be brought back to the committee for approval.

Once agreed, the lease will allow Druitt Hall to seek grant funding and secure its future in Christchurch. 

A roof replacement is also being sought for the hall, but members said that this should be considered separately from the lease review process.