Hillstownvillagehall.com/future-plans
Replacement
Village Hall Initiative
Background.
Hillstown Village Hall stands as a financially independent charity. It derives its financial resources through room hire and grants, which in turn, support community recreation and sports services for the Bolsover and Hillstown area. The organisation is obligated to manage its financial outlays prudently, maintaining reserves, to ensure the long-term viability of the facility.
UK Government Targets.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions as part of its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. As part of this effort, the regulations for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are being tightened.
April 1st 2027.
From April 2027, non-domestic buildings, including Village Halls, must have a minimum EPC rating of C to be compliant. This means that buildings need to be more energy-efficient, which can involve improvements such as better insulation, more efficient heating systems, and the use of renewable energy sources.
11th July 2024
In 2024, a Government Strategic Energy Report was undertaken on Hillstown Village Hall.
Although several updates have been carried out on the building over the past 5 years, the main fabric of the building is predominantly wooden, with very little or no insulation in parts. ​
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Conclusion.
The report concluded the building requires extensive work to the fabric of the building itself to achieve the EPC-C rating, to remain open after April 2027.
Recommended action required:
Retrofitting external insulation to the building’s envelope, including walls, floor and roof.
Replacement of the two Gas boilers to electric air systems.
Fit Solar Panels to roof. (survey may be required)
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January 2025
An inspection of the fabric of the building was undertaken to support retrofitting the existing building.
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Outside.
It was revealed that parts of the wooden exterior had delaminated, likely due to age. Rain ingress had caused mould in sections of the cavity. The outer skin needs replacement prior, to any new insulation being fitted.
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Inside.
Sections of the main hall and toilet floors had failed sections needing repairs.
Fitting the recommended electric ceiling air heaters requires the suspended ceilings to be strengthened and updated.
Water heaters over all sinks to be fitted when gas boilers are removed.
All toilets require updating to a suitable standard and the kitchen areas require replacing.
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11 February 2025
Bolsover District Council
Carbon Management Workshops
We have participated in Carbon Management Workshops with Nottingham Trent University, enabling us to evaluate the savings potential at the Village Hall.
Key areas assessed for managing carbon usage:
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Reducing operational costs
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Improving energy efficiency
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Reducing waste
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Demonstrating environmental responsibility
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Complying with environmental legislation
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Enhancing competitiveness in tenders
This assessment was crucial in deciding whether to retrofit or replace the main building.
17th February 2025
The Trustee Meeting held on 17th February 2025 discussed the current condition of the building and the extensive work required to bring it up to the necessary specifications.
Retrofitting
After careful consideration, we concluded that the financial implications of an entire retrofit required to bring it up to the standard required would not be cost-effective and could still require a substantial amount of ongoing maintenance.
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Fit for Purpose.
Our informed decision was to look at a new replacement fit-for-purpose building, that would meet the growing needs of the local community and meet the Net Zero Government targets.
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'Net Zero Fund'
It was decided to establish a 'Net Zero Fund' to help towards a replacement building with a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative. To kickstart this important journey, we have allocated an initial £10,000 to support our vision of a greener future.
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An Ambitious Undertaking.
Constructing a replacement hall is a huge and ambitious undertaking; however, with the support of the local community, it can be realised.​
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In the upcoming months, we will evaluate all possible options, engaging in consultations with the community and relevant authorities to examine the feasibility of the project.
Supporting Information
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The aim is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making buildings more sustainable and environmentally friendly. If a building cannot meet the required EPC rating, failure to comply could result in penalties or closure.
Gov.uk
Village and community halls are a staple in rural communities, providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone to come together. However, the age, construction and diversity of buildings provides a challenge when considering the installation of energy saving measures.
Substantial investments and support are needed to address the challenges and future-proof the viability of these buildings or they will be lost.
Hillstown Village Hall,
an uncertain future.
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In 2024, a Strategic Energy Report was undertaken on Hillstown Village Hall. The report concluded that the building requires extensive and costly work to achieve the EPC rating, required to remain open after April 2027.
The estimated cost of updating the building would run into tens of thousands of pounds and require several months of closure. The trust concluded it would not be practical and financially viable to update such an ageing prefabricated wooden building.
Over the next few months, we will consider all our options, consulting with the community and various bodies looking into the feasibility and funding of a replacement.
A spokesperson for the Charity said, 'we have been left with little choice but to comply with government carbon reduction targets’.
This dedicated page on our website will provide the latest updates on our progress toward the feasibility of a new building.
Hillstownvillagehall.com/future-plans
Proposed
Childrens' Play area
Jan 2025
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The Hillstown Village Hall trust and Scarcliffe Parish Council are in negotiations over a proposed children's outdoor play area, to be sited on the sports /recreation field.
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