FUTURE OF PUBLIC HALL
March 1998
About 30 people attended a Public Meeting on 11 March to discuss the future requirements for Shirehampton Public Hall. David Thomas, Chairman of the Hall Community Association, explained that the meeting had been called to find out what local people wanted from the Hall and the Association. He stressed that there is no immediate threat to the Hall, but there is a need to attract more funding to secure its long term future. The committee was planning the future development of the Hall, and wished to consult local residents on future plans. With the support of Bristol City Council, G&G Qualitative Consultants were advising the Association on the way forward. Andrea Litva, from C&G, led a lively debate.
Many people commented that the building needed a face-lift to attract more activities, particularly with the internal decor. Local councillor Celia Lukins remarked how few younger people had come to the meeting. This led to support for the idea of a Youth Club at the Hall. A number of people had ideas for social events, and stressed the need for better advertising.
Ideas put forward by the meeting included a competition for redesign of the entrance decor, fund- raising possibilities, gaining a wedding licence, and using the attractive outside of the building for film and television productions. Everyone recognised that the key to the future lay in the willingness of people to volunteer to carry out a range of activities.
The consultants will produce their report in early April, and the Committee will then consider the next step to develop the Hall. In the meantime, if you have any more ideas for future uses, or are willing to help in any way, please ring David Thomas on 982 2941.
Published in Shire April 1998