A POPULAR Bromsgrove community hall is celebrating the opening of their new kitchen thanks to central government funding.
Blackwell Community Hall’s cooking facilities have been totally transformed following the £21,424 funding boost from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It comes two years after the century-old building was entrusted to the village by the Methodist Church.
The substantial new stainless steel kitchen has been fitted with upgraded electrics. It is the latest improvement after brand new toilets and a decorative make-over by community volunteers.
The doors were thrown open, giving residents the chance to view the new kitchen and learn about the plans to provide a wider range of services from the hall which are now possible thanks to the investment received.
Old one ‘not fit for purpose’
Committee chair, Terry Pauley said the kitchen was not fit for purpose and had nothing else other than running water.
“The hall’s been a venue available to hire for a while but it had an atrociously bad kitchen.
“But now people can come in and properly cook – so we finally have the complete package.
“The building is very warm and welcoming, and we really hope the new kitchen will attract more people to use the hall.
“To be able to install a commercial grade kitchen has totally transformed not just that one room, but the building as a whole.
“It will greatly expand what the village and surrounding area can use the building for, and at the same time make us a much more attractive venue to hire which brings in much needed revenue to cover day to day running.”
Celebration time
In celebration of the opening, locals came together for a coffee morning, featuring homemade cakes donated by members of the community.
Terry Pauley (Left) and Janet Millward (Right) welcome residents to see the newly refurbished kitchen at Blackwell Community Hall. s
The project was made possible with the help of Bromsgrove District Council’s UKSPF team.
Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Coun Sue Baxter, said: “The investment received will go a long way to helping the residents of the area have a space to gather and host community events.
“The funding for this project, and others, is making a real difference to our local communities.”
The hall dates back to 1893 when it was constructed as a schoolroom. It was paid for by a local benefactor, who then gifted the property to the Methodist Church in 1920.
Now the church has allowed villagers to operate the building for the benefit of the local community.
Weekday bookings of the spacious hall cost just £15-an-hour and weekend slots are a minimum of four hours, costing £60.
Visit blackwellcommunityhall.co.uk for more info, bookings and availability.
