The Hall Trustees have been working with the regular user groups to develop a Hall Improvement Project that will ensure the sustainability of our community asset and make it all it can be, to meet the needs of our population.  The project has been informed by the changing times, with a need make best use of space and the wish to play our part in the move to Net Zero. It will decarbonise the Hall and we will become virtually self sufficient in self-generated power, ensuring we are able to provide a cosy, affordable venue for our community into the future.  We used pandemic closure support funds from the Scottish Government to engage an architect, obtain planning permission and a building warrant, and to go to tender for the work. We would like to thank our regular user groups (OWLS and Oxnam Kirk) who have held fundraising events for us and donated the proceeds to this project. Thanks also to the Hall Trustees who have been busy redecorating the Hall, so it continues to look its best while we take these plans forward. Funding has been awarded for Phases 1 and 2 - many thanks to our funders - and the work is now almost finished!

The project is being taken forward in three Phases, subject to fundraising:

1. To lower the ceiling/strengthen the roof in the main Hall to make it warmer and ready for solar panels. Funding awarded (Scottish Borders Council - Cheviot Neighbourhood Support Fund).  Work is in progress.
2. To install air-to-air heating, solar pv panels and battery storage, and replace fluorescent lighting with LED. Funding awarded (CARES and Borders Community Action - Village Halls Retrofit).  Work is in progress - the air source heating has been completed and solar panels/batteries will be installed shortly.
3. To re-order the layout of the Hall, improving use of space and creating a new utility area with external ramped access. Fundraising for this phase is on hold until Phases 1 and 2 have been completed.