3 weeks Ago
A community centre has reopened after a £600,000 renovation project. On April 8, Lord Burlington formally opened the restored Meads Hall, formerly St John's Parish Hall, to a fanfare by the Eastbourne Silver Band. The Mayor of Eastbourne and guests joined the celebration.
The reopening follows major fundraising to repair and refurbish the hall, securing its future for the community. A £450,000 grant has helped restore former parish hall for community use (Image: Meads Hall) Robert Smart, chairman of the trustees, highlighted the progress made since the trustees were appointed at the beginning of the year. READ MORE: Historic manor reopens for the first time in five years A crucial part of the venture was a successful application for £450,000 to the Government's Community Ownership Fund - which made up a large chunk of the £600,000 funds raised.
The grant manager from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and other donors, were thanked in person. Major donors were recognised on the sponsorship board unveiled by Lord Burlington. Thanks were also given to the project’s initial team, and to the building surveyor and contractor who delivered the project "on budget and on time".
Mr Smart concluded by acknowledging the community spirit in Meads, which contributed to the project's success and secured the hall for future generations. Further details about the hall, including bookings, can be found on the Meads Community Centre's website..
