Work on the first phase of the refurbishment of the Gardiner Memorial Hall is due to start on Monday 11^th October 2021. Funding is now in place for this phase, which will include new toilets, kitchen, windows, an extension to the stage, a platform lift between the two levels, installation of a heat source air pump, audio visual equipment and lighting. At this point in time, funding for the new extension is yet to be sourced.

We have appointed Cadman Construction Limited of Colchester to carry out the work. Cadman Construction Limited will work with our Project Managers Varsity Consulting.

Council members are currently looking at possible options for the new kitchen. The kitchen will be linked to the extension later, making it accessible and usable by both halls. But until such time as we are in a position and have further funding in place allowing us to move on with the extension, we want the kitchen to be the best that space and funding allows. It is intended that the kitchen will have a good-sized oven and hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave. Although, will not be classed as a catering kitchen.

We are also looking at suitable Audio Visual and lighting equipment. Ideas for the future use of the hall include holding Cinema Evenings and encouraging more amateur and professional dramatic events to be held.

Work is due to be completed on the first phase by mid to late March 2022. Even without the extension, the Gardiner Memorial Hall will be brought into the 21^st century, being more environmentally friendly and sustainable for many more years to come, allowing the legacy of the late John Gardiner to continue as a facility for the community to enjoy. We look to welcome the community back to the hall in April 2022.

Burwell Parish Council Earmarked Reserves £15,000.00

Community Infrastructure Levy Receipts £150,000.00

The Parish Council would like to thank the following organisations for financially supporting the Gardiner Memorial Hall Refurbishment Project 

Cambridgeshire County Council Capital Grant £131,125.00 

East Cambs District Council CIL 123 Funding £180,000.00 (Phase One) 

AMEY £80,000.00 

We also thank Arbus, Manchetts Burwell Limited and Manchetts Limited for their financial support.

PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED - JANUARY 2021

WITH AMENDMENT SUBMITTED - MAY 2021 

PLANNING PERMISSION RECEIVED - AUGUST 2021 

Link to view the Planning Application 

The Gardiner Memorial Hall situated in the High Street was built in 1915. The building had a small single storey extension to the front of the property added in the 1960's. Since then the building has only seen routine maintenance carried out.

The building is well used by the community but it is now in desperate need of updating and extending to meet the needs of the growing community.

Burwell Parish Council is working with a Design Team including Saunders Boston Limited (Architects), Varsity Consulting Limited (Project Management and Quantity Surveying), Sharman Grimwade (Electrical and Mechanical Consultants) and others to bring the hall into the 21st Century and sustainable for many years to come.

The work will be split into at least two phases. The first will update the existing hall. In the first phase existing toilets and kitchen will both be replaced. A platform lift will be fitted to allow access between the two levels of the hall and the existing stage area extended to accommodate the lift. The building will also become greener, with the Council looking to install an air source heat pump.

The second phase will be a new extension. This will provide additional hiring space, with the new room being able to be hired out independently to the existing hall. 

The Gardiner Memorial Hall is currently used for a variety of community activities such as fitness classes, martial arts groups, early years activities. Over the years the hall has also been used for parties, weddings, wakes, dances, and performances. Community activities will continue to be the main use for the hall. However there are often gaps during the day time where the hall could be used for other purposes such as business meetings.