Keekle Village Hall Car Park and Associated Drainage Improvement
4
The Pitch
Problem statement
Only local indoor venue in a semi-rural area with poor public transport, so users - particularly the elderly and families - are reliant on using their own cars. There is a very limited parking area; poor drainage, creating hazardous conditions in winter. The village hall is vital to reducing social isolation, improving mental and physical health, and strengthening the local community ties. It is used for twice weekly ju-jitsu, twice weekly yoga, weekly Band practice, weekly dance classes, monthly Autism Support and Teenage Youth Club, monthly Women's Institute meetings, monthly social evenings. It is also popular for private hire - children and family parties. 1092 users, ages 5 - 80+
Solution
Goal - improved community facility. Funding to be spent on: Excavating grassed area of grounds and laying gravel to increase parking area, installing drainage, replacing damaged concrete area and providing hard standing area for disabled parking. Inpact - provision of safe off-road parking for those with mobility issues, where public transport is not available, reducing social isolation and improving health and well-being. Improved access for wheelchair users. We also aim to improve the environment, reducing flood risk.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
A proven ability to deliver works projects. Since 2019, the village hall committee have delivered £120,253 of building improvements (renewing windows, roof repairs, installation of thermal boards and efficient heating, accessible entrance door and toilet), providing a comfortable environment for local residents. Work has been carried out over 3 phases, as funding was raised. Costs have been kept down with a lot of the work being carried out by community volunteers. We have succeeded in increasing the usage, particularly in winter. The elderly and less mobile have flagged up the need to enlarge the car park to improve accessibility.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Contingency - original quote for works £26,223 received May 2023. Funding raised by mid-October but contractor unable to start now until 2024 with inflationary price increase | £2,500 |
| Contingency for unforeseen problems arising from works | £500 |
Beneficiaries
1,092 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Less social isolation for those with mobility problems or disabilities who rely heavily on use of cars for transport. Increasing opportunities for the above and their families / carers. Safer access to the village hall. Bringing the community together, particularly during the winter months.
Track record
Already been awarded funding towards this project: £10,000 from National Lottery, £3,750 from the Hadfield Trust and £1,000 from the Snowball Fund. Had set aside £11,718 from the community fund-raising events. By the time funding was secured, the contractor confirmed that he could not start work until the new year and the price would rise. Extra funds are now needed. Previously, we have delivered 3 phases of building improvements, within budget, transforming the village hall. Increased demand, places more demand on parking facilities.