COMMUNITY CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE - UPDATE Wistaston Memorial Hall and Community Centre adds immeasurably to the quality of life in Wistaston. This important local facility is managed by a committee of trustees of the Wistaston Memorial Hall and Community Centre charity under a governing document dated 1947.
As the facilities are provided for public benefit the trustees feel it is important that people understand what is planned for the future, including a rebuild of the existing building. Taking no action is not an option as the life span of the existing building is not indefinite. We have had a local structural surveyor complete a survey of the building and the conclusion is that refurbishing is not likely to be financially viable given the age, design layout and the costs which will be incurred.
To kick off the rebuild project in March we consulted local residents and Hall users via an online questionnaire to understand your views of this valuable community asset and how you think it could be better utilised within the community in the future and also what improvements, if any, should be considered in its development. 386 households answered the call to give their views on the need for the rebuilding of the Memorial Hall. Drop-in sessions were also held on the 1st, 15th and 22nd April to answer questions and let everyone know how the project was developing. 17 letters of support have been received from organisations that currently use the Hall. Analysis of the responses is now underway.
We will be approaching the National Lottery for financial support. Your questionnaire responses are an important input to our bid to provide evidence of need and to improve our chances of success.
The trustees are being assisted by the charity Cheshire Community Action, which provides an advisory service for village and community halls in Cheshire and is part of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). The next step is to review each build option available for its financial and practical viability.
Information regarding the progression of the project will be published on the website and in local communications. If you would be interested in being involved in the New Build project, we would love to hear from you. Contactus@wistastonmemorialhall.uk