The Hall Trustees have been working with the regular user groups to develop a Hall Improvement Project that will ensure the future 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 for more kitchen space in particular, 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 affordable. So far we have 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 applied for and we are delighted to announce it has now been awarded for Phases 1 and 2.
The project is being taken forward in three Phases, subject to fundraising:
- 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).
- To install air-to-air heat pumps, solar pv panels and battery storage, and replace remaining fluorescent tubes with LED tubes. Funding awarded (CARES and Borders Community Action - Village Halls Retrofit). Work is due to start shortly.
- To re-order the layout of the Hall, creating a larger kitchen with a new utility area/external ramped access, and a more functional meeting room. Fundraising in progress.
The current layout (left) and future layout of the Hall with new larger kitchen and re-located meeting room