Imminent works causes dilemma In 2017, the Druitt Hall Community Association was granted a 10-year extension to their lease, taking operation of the hall through to 2027. However, renovation work on the building, including the replacement of its damaged windows and the removal of its asbestos roof which was initially brought up for discussion at the local authority’s community committee in November, has yet to be completed. This is because, at a projected cost of almost a quarter of a million pounds (£40,000 for the windows and almost £200,000 for the roof), councillors have deliberated as to whether the funding, which would come out of taxpayers’ money, could be put to better use.
THE FUTURE of Christchurch’s Druitt Hall remains uncertain, with some councillors calling for a replacement for the building. The community hall in central Christchurch, which was discussed at Christchurch Town’ Council’s recent Community Committee meeting,is in need of repairs to its windows and roof, costing in excess of £240,000. The buildings surveyor states that repairs could add another 30 years onto the building’s longevity. A statement was prepared by Adam Elcock, chartered building surveyor at Elcock Associates, and read out in the online meeting, held on Friday April 23, by town clerk Daniel Lucas. It said: “Subject to the building being maintained, then I would suggest 30 years is still feasible.