£1.2 million boost to rejuvenate community hubs

As part of Village Halls Week, the government has announced that village halls in England have received £1.2 million to aid community hubs in making vital refurbishments.

Grants for 21 projects have been approved so far as part of the £3 million Village Halls Improvement Grant Scheme, with improvements including repairs to roofs, refurbishments to toilets and kitchens and new meeting rooms. As part of the scheme, village hall committees are able to apply for grants of up to £75,000 towards refurbishment and alteration of their buildings.

With more than 10,000 village halls across the country, these spaces provide vital hubs for communities to come together, collaborate and celebrate. Many halls provide a space for shops, cafes, pop up pubs, nurseries and doctors.

Lord Gardiner, Defra Rural Affairs Minister, said: “Village halls are an essential part of rural life. I am delighted that our grant scheme is helping to refurbish our nation’s village halls, and each and every one will make a real difference to their communities. There can be no doubt that village halls are more important and relevant than ever. Village Halls Week provides a perfect opportunity for people up and down the country to celebrate these wonderful places at the heart of our rural community.”

Village Halls Week celebrates the services that village halls provide in rural communities across England, and will involve events at 650 village halls across the country.