Chickerell Town Council has officially opened the newly refurbished and extended Willowbed Hall, marking the completion of a project almost 20 years in the making.
The official opening brought together Councillors past and present, project partners, contractors, community representatives, hall users and local residents to celebrate the transformation of one of Chickerell’s much-loved community facilities.
Willowbed has been at the heart of community life for generations, hosting meetings, celebrations, performances, clubs and events. The completed project provides a modern, flexible and welcoming facility that can meet the changing needs of the town.
The new Willow Suite has received a civil marriage and partnership licence, allowing it to be used for ceremonies as well as group activities, meetings and smaller events. Improvements have also been made to accessibility and public facilities, alongside the introduction of sustainable technologies.
The project has transformed the wider site too. Moving the access road to the rear of the building has created a safer, more open and welcoming pedestrian space at the front of the hall, providing a much better setting for the community to use and enjoy.
The additional facilities and increased flexibility will also provide opportunities to generate income, helping to support the ongoing maintenance and future improvement of Willowbed and other community assets.
The extension also provides a dedicated reception and office space for Chickerell Town Council, creating a more professional and welcoming first point of contact for residents and visitors. The improved workspace gives staff a modern, practical environment in which to carry out their day-to-day work and provide services to the community.
The project has been financed by Chickerell Town Council, supported by developer contributions secured through local development in Chickerell, including contributions from C G Fry & Son and administered by Dorset Council.
Mayor of Chickerell, Councillor Neil Hudson, said:
“Willowbed has been an important part of Chickerell’s community for many years, and it is fantastic to see the completed transformation of the building and the wider site.
“This has been a significant investment by Chickerell Town Council and represents years of planning, hard work and commitment from Councillors, past and present and our dedicated staff.
“The result is a modern and flexible facility that can be used by residents of all ages for a wide range of activities, events and celebrations. I hope the new Willow Suite in particular will become a much-loved space, whether people are attending a meeting, taking part in an activity or celebrating a very special occasion.
“I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in bringing this project to completion and look forward to seeing Willowbed continue to play a central role in community life for many years to come.”
Town Clerk, Nicola Briar, who has been involved with the project for 19 years, said:
“It is incredibly satisfying to finally see the Willowbed project completed after so many years of planning, discussions, paperwork and, eventually, building work.
“A huge number of people have contributed to getting us to this point. I would like to thank our Councillors, past and present, our amazing team of staff, Western Design, Greendale Construction and all the contractors and consultants involved, as well as Dorset Council for its support.
“I am particularly proud of what we have achieved and of the fantastic new spaces we now have for the people of Chickerell.”
The Council would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the project and supported Willowbed throughout the works.
