Pamber Heath War Memorial Hall re-opens after £1.3million refurbishment

A well-used village hall has re-opened after undergoing a £1.3m extension and refurbishment.

Pamber Heath War Memorial Hall, located on Pamber Heath Road, was formally re-opened on Saturday, February 10, with several local dignitaries in attendance.

The refurbishment project, which took place throughout last year, has seen the hall open with several new facilities, including a larger car park, a new kitchen and a child-friendly pre-school extension.

Pamber Heath War Memorial Hall Committee chairman Jane Escott-New said: “Now it is complete, this upgraded community building will bring huge benefits with better facilities for the whole parish, the children who attend Impstone Preschool and much improved accommodation for the many clubs and societies which use the hall for their meetings.

“The improvements will allow us to cater for a wider variety of the needs of our local population, increasing the inclusivity for all ages and interests.

“We now hope to organise new community activities outlined in the business plan which informed our bid for funds.

“We are already used by many local clubs which adds to the leisure, health and wellbeing offer in our area and we will now be able to accommodate many more clubs who are requesting a venue, again allowing us to appeal to the widest possible range of local people.”

On the day of the re-opening, Pamber Parish Council chairman Simon Greaves welcomed everyone and thanked all those who were involved with the project.

Then, Basingstoke and Deane mayor David Leeks, alongside his wife and mayoress Amanda, unveiled a plaque dedicating the building to the local people of the parish and to those listed on the two roles of honour which have been recently renovated.

Rev Cathy Pynn blessed the building and North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena MP cut the ribbon to the new extension which now houses Impstone Preschool.

Following this, dignitaries were guided around the new facilities by hall committee members.

Mr Leeks praised the building and the accessibility of its car park and gave a speech on the importance of public buildings being inclusive.

Mr Jayawardena complimented the new building and recognised the team effort of those from the local community that made the project happen

North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse was also present at the opening and he said it is one of the best village halls he has seen.

Pamber Parish Council member Lynda Parker-Schwarz said: “The atmosphere was celebratory with many past members of the parish council, hall committee and preschool organisations, ‘friends of the hall’, newsletter distributors and neighbours all coming together to enjoy the event.”

The hall committee still has plans to make improvements to external areas when spring arrives, and it also wishes to improve the hall’s ceiling and lighting, as well as install a new sound system when funds allow.