The new building will have two large hall spaces, each with their own kitchen, toilets, and storage spaces
Plans have been submitted for a revamped community centre in a Kent town.
Hoo St Werburgh and Chattenden Parish Council have put forward proposals to demolish the Hoo Village Hall and replace it with an upgraded facility.
The new building in Pottery Road, Hoo, will have two large hall spaces, each with their own kitchen, toilets, and storage spaces.
It will host a nursery and, when that’s not in use, an indoor basketball court, as well as a number of smaller meeting and activity rooms – one of which will be the parish council’s office.
These rooms will be formed by removable dividers, so they can be taken out to create larger spaces if need be.
A coffee shop will also be included which will open onto the recreation ground at the rear of the building.
It will also expand the car park, creating an additional 24 spaces, as it is expected the new centre will see increased demand.
Only once the brand new facility is completed will the old hall be demolished so there will be no break in provision for residents.
The aim is for a modern community centre which can meet locals needs and provide a venue for events, educational programs, social gatherings, and sports.
The firm Ubique Architects were commissioned to design the new facility.
In September, a public consultation took responses from the local community around the proposals.
Of the five responses, most used the current village hall at least once a week and others had often attended it when it was used for events, such as birthdays or weddings.
All were enthusiastic about the plans for a new community centre and feedback about the designs was taken into account.
Particularly, respondents said it should take inspiration from the nightingale population, so images of the birds will adorn the cladding on the building’s exterior.
The application has been made by the parish council and is being considered by Medway Council’s planning department.
