Heswall Hall reopens after it was saved from closure, with a £250,000 renovation

Sep 7 2011 by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News

HESWALL Hall will reopen after a £250,000 renovation.

The much-loved venue was saved after residents rallied together to give it a facelift and secure a home for lots of community groups.

The hall, in Telegraph Road, was used for community events such as social meetings, amateur theatre productions and parties.

Now, nearly three years after it faced closure, a group of trustees have paved the way forward and taken the venue out of Wirral council’s hands.

New manager Trudie Harris told the Wirral News: “We held a big handing-over ceremony last Thursday.

“Heswall Hall was originally run by Wirral council but about three years ago it wanted to close it down because it could not afford to keep it open.

“Residents in Heswall did not want to see it go because it is the hub of the village and a community venue.

“It has several rooms and a big hall, so it is an ideal place for activities.

“A business plan was drawn up and then lots of hard work from the trustees followed. Now finally it is reopening again.

“A very valuable asset has been saved from closure.”

Campaigners formed Heswall Hall Community Trust with nine trustees on the board.

They secured a £250,000 grant from the council’s community fund.

Trudie added: “The money was spent on refurbishing the building inside and out.

“It has a new roof, curtains and windows, it was painted inside, the wooden floors were sanded down and resealed, and it has new furniture.

“We are the first group to do this in Wirral on such a big scale.

“A number of users have been coming here since it opened in 1971.

“If it had been lost, then those residents would have been left without anywhere to go.

“A steering group was formed, they brought this concept and made it a reality.

“We are absolutely delighted for everyone who was involved – it has been a triumph. The transformation from old to what it is now there is amazing.”

Cllr Adrian Jones, Wirral council’s cabinet member for corporate resources, said about the transfer: “I have every confidence that Heswall Hall Community Trust is going to make a real success out of this valued facility.”

An opening ceremony will take place on October 1 at 11am, when deputy mayor Cllr Gerry Ellis will cut the ribbon. The hall will remain open until 4pm and is open to all residents.