Barbour Institute in Tattenhall reopens after £110,000 revamp

Mar 17 2011 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

A CRUCIAL village hall facility has reopened following a £110,000 refurbishment.

The revamped Barbour Institute, which is the main hall inside Tattenhall Village Hall, was officially unveiled on Sunday by the Lord Mayor of Chester, councillor Neil Richie.

Work carried out to update the hall includes new acoustic boarding on the walls to improve heat retention and eco-friendly under floor heating.

The hall, which has been rewired and redecorated, now has a new stage lighting system and, for the first time, a sound system and audio visual facilities.

Tattenhall Community Association believes the refurbishment will double usage of the facility.

Treasurer Andy Morris, who led the project, said: “The village hall is well used by the people of Tattenhall as well as a number of rural based groups that provide local services, around 20 groups in total at present.

“By updating the main hall of this lovely Victorian building, we envisage that the refurbishment will increase usage of the hall by 50%.

“Energy costs will reduce and income will increase, thus generating a healthy income which will be used for the longer term maintenance and sustainability of the building and will leave a legacy for future generations.”

The project was funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council, who provided half of the total amount, along with the parish council, Bolesworth Estate Co Ltd and the community association’s own funds.

Cllr Stuart Parker, chairman of the steering group for the council’s rural support funding grant, said: “Investing in community buildings in this way not only ensures long-term sustainability of its use by the local community, in turn generating a greater level of income for the village hall, but it is also helping the borough to meet its targets in reducing its carbon footprint.

“Also, Tattenhall has a higher than average number of older people and it is important that this sector of the rural community is well catered for locally.

“It is important for these people’s welfare that there are a good number of activities provided for them. The Barbour Institute is a crucial facility in delivering these services.”