Hampton Wick Library and Bullen Hall were built in the mid-1970s. The Hall offers local residents and businesses space to come together for yoga classes, children parties and local community groups meetings.
The Library shares facilities with Bullen Hall and opens 3 days per week. In addition, Friends of Hampton Wick Library run regular talks and exhibitions for the benefit of local residents.
Little modernisation has taken place, meaning that:
- The kitchen is inadequately equipped
- There are no facilities in the Hall
- The library has to close for an hour each lunchtime as there is nowhere else for staff to eat
- The Hall is unattractive and ill-equipped for most intended purposes
The primary aims for this project are:
- To refurbish the existing facilities at Bullen Hall and Hampton Wick Library to create a flexible, attractive, accessible community centre suited to the needs of the 21st century
- To end lunchtime closure of the Library which depresses the use of the Library
What we'll deliver:
- Reorganise the common space shared between the Library and Bullen Hall, including kitchen, toilets, storage and lobby
- Refit and refurnish Bullen Hall
- Enlarge, equip and renovate the kitchen to modern standards
- Provide a lunch-break facility for Library staff and volunteers
- Provide more storage and install a keycode door entry system
Why it's a great idea:
The community hub of Hampton Wick will be a bright, clean, welcoming civic and cultural centre for the village and our visitors.
The enlarged and re-equipped kitchen will be of great benefit to anyone using the Hall for a social event or meeting. At the moment, the Goodfellowship Club for the elderly, use the Hall every Wednesday and have to prepare food in the corridor because the kitchen is too small. In addition, the Hampton Wick Library will be able to open at lunchtime as the improved kitchen will serve as a staff lunchroom.
Additional lockers and secure outbuilding will provide storage to regular users.
The remotely programmable keycode booking and door entry systems will bring the cost of hire down. It is currently a minimum of £80-£160 due to the need of a porter manager to provide access.
Modernisation of the hall’s facilities and décor will create a flexible, attractive space for a wide variety of community uses.
Steps to get it done:
- Final design and specification
- Building Regulations approval
- Site preparation and demolition of internal walls, clearance
- Rebuild internal structure, flooring, lighting, painting, tiling, fit out bathrooms and kitchen
- Timber furniture storage annex
- Purchase and install new furniture, IT and A/V equipment in Bullen Hall
- Marketing programme
- Grand Reopening
We are driven and proud to create an inclusive space:
- All Library visitors will benefit from an extended opening time during lunchtime
- Any local group looking for somewhere to hold a meeting; talk; class; exhibition; corporate reception; a community event; a venue for a children’s party; retirement party; or any other social event locally will benefit from the project.
- Bullen Hall is already fully wheelchair accessible and has disabled toilet facilities. An upgrade to 21st century standards will represent a valuable additional choice for people with disabilities wishing to organise events, activities or parties
The following organisations, businesses and local community groups have already expressed their support:
• Local Ward Councillors
• Hampton Wick Association
• Friends of Hampton Wick Library
• Goodfellowship Club
• Alva Yoga
• Royal Paddocks Allotments
So now we need your help to make it happen!
