The attractive and historic school building is currently leased by St Bridget’s School. It is in good condition but needs refurbishment and bringing upto modern standards of lighting and heating.
The extension was built in 1969 and has a limited life. It will need work sooner rather than later and it is out of keeping with the setting in the Churchyard and Conservation Area.
The layout and facilities are now unsuited to their use both as a community and Church centre and as school facilities.
The main hall (the Barton Room) is too small, suffers from condensation and has no servery or direct link with the kitchen.
The use of the old school room for Sunday refreshments is too cramped.
The toilets fail below modern standards and lack facilities for the mobility-impaired and baby changing.
The lack of a corridor linking all parts of the centre hinders easy access between facilities, the museum, storage and the school grounds, compromising security for children.
Access for the mobility-impaired is poor both within and outside the centre.
Heating systems are ageing, inefficient and expensive to run and lighting is poor. The design of the current facilities do not meet the challenges of climate change.
The different uses conflict at times - particularly school and community activities in the small corridors and coat hanging space - all within a difficult layout.
Storage arrangements are poorly sited and inadequate leading to clutter.
The museum, although in good condition, is inaccessible and cramped and hinders viewing by the public (see below for further information).
We feel the right approach is total rebuilding of the extension and the creation of a functional layout rather than piecemeal alterations.