Why do we need to rebuild the Main Centre?

• 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.