VILLAGE HALL NEWS SHEET FEBRUARY 2010


Welcome to the February update on what’s going on with the new Hall.
We have continued to make good progress over the last month, so here’s where we are, what’s happened and what’s planned.

Finance
Sale of Assets
• The old Community Hall went on the market this month, with Abbotts Estate Agents.
There were some delays with getting historical documents which meant this was a bit later than we wanted. As a result, the closing date for bids will be put back to the end of April. This will not have any negative effect on the overall timetable.
• We are still waiting for final approval from the Charity Commission (see below) before placing the recreation ground plots on the market, probably in late March.

Grant Funding
• We have applied for a capital grant from the government for the installation of sustainable energy sources for the new Hall. This will allow us to minimise the energy costs for the hall in the future; something we feel is essential for its long term success.
• We are also waiting to hear whether we have been successful with a Norfolk Community Fund Grant, which will help to “pump prime” the project in terms of some of the professional work, fees etc, which would otherwise have to be done at risk.

Design and Planning
• Our Architects have come up with a number of changes to the original design, in order to maximise the potential use of the building.
• These have focused on maximising the recreational and sporting uses of the new facility; also ensuring that the internal layout allows access for some activities when the hall as a whole is closed
• Before we submit the revised Planning Application, the architects are discussing the sustainable energy requirements for the new hall and also ensuring that any wider planning issues are met.

Charity Issues

Hickling Playing Field Charity
• The original Charity controlling the playing field was set up in 1937, with the Parish Council being the nominated Corporate Trustee. Clearly, during the interim 72 years, many changes have taken place in Hickling, not least the change in population and age profile.
This has meant that the founding “objects” of the Charity are now somewhat outdated and in need of change.
• We have therefore applied to the Charity Commission to change the Charity’s objects to better reflect current need and expect this to be confirmed in early March. After this, the two plots on the edge of the playing field will be placed on the market.
Phoenix Trust
• The Phoenix Trust, set up to administer the financial asset arising from the sale of the old snooker and youth club building in Stubb Road, has confirmed that funds will indeed be made available for the New Hall.

Communication
• As ever, if you have any queries or ideas about the new Hall, forward them to Shirley
Sainsbury, our Parish Clerk.