Today is more than just a parish poll. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Hadlow Down. In 1965, villagers came together with vision and determination to build the hall we still use today. That hall has served us well for nearly 60 years — but now it is our turn to leave a legacy.
Our village is already extraordinary. We see it in the joy of the Village Fayre and Bonfire Celebrations, in the creativity of our drama productions, in the generosity of our fundraising events and seasonal markets. We see it in the spirit of our lovely primary school, the welcome and warmth of The New Inn, the creativity of Wilderness Wood, and the care we show for one another through local groups and charities like the TN22 Club. This spirit of togetherness is what makes Hadlow Down so special.
But
spirit needs a home. A place that brings people together, that lifts us up,
that matches the ambition and heart of our village. This poll is about giving
shape to that future.
We know this project might not feel, at first, like it is for everyone. But we are committed to ensuring it serves the whole community. Many of you have shared exciting ideas — from how we could enhance access to healthcare services to providing space for more essential amenities right here in the village. We’ve listened, we agree, and with your support we will move forward with your best interests at the heart of our plans.
Please, don’t let today pass by. Whether you are for or against the proposals, make your voice heard. Every single vote counts — and your choice will be part of the story we tell in decades to come.
📌 Vote today between 3pm and 9pm at the Village Hall.
Don’t forget to bring your ID.
This is our chance to build something lasting. Let’s seize it together.
We know that the future of Hadlow Down’s community facilities are being talked about widely – on Facebook, on the doorstep, and in conversations across the village. That’s a good thing. Healthy debate shows how much we all care.
We also know that sometimes worries, misunderstandings, or half-answers can spread quickly. As volunteers, trustees, and fellow residents, we want to make sure everyone has clear, evidence based information.
Here we have set out some of the most common questions and concerns we’ve heard, along with our answers . We may not agree on every detail, but we hope this helps everyone make their decision with confidence and fairness.
“I can’t attend the vote in person, how does the proxy vote work?”
The Parish Council is holding this vote, so any questions about proxy voting are best directed to the Clerk. As the Parish Council doesn’t monitor the village Facebook pages please email clerk@hadlowdown.org to make sure you get the correct information.
”It is a
white elephant — we don’t need it.”
“Village tax-payers have been promised this beautiful ‘White “Elephant’ for
many years”
HDCC has committed to work hard, openly, and responsibly toward our goal to build a new village hall and sports pavilion at the playing field.
Yes, it has taken time: We agree it has been a long journey. But good community projects take time — and we’ve used that time wisely.
What we’ve achieved so far:
Undertaken feasibility studies studies and held community meetings
Appointed an architect and quantity surveyor
Secured planning permission.
Conducted visits to other village facilities
Researched best practice in rural community centres.
Appointed a fundraiser to help secure external support.
Developed a detailed business plan.
Secured the backing of our MP and District Council
Where we are now: We are committed to finding the funding to proceed. Only when funding is secured can we “promise” to build the hall.
Do we believe it can be done? Yes. We have studied other villages who have done the same, and we know it is achievable.
It is worth noting –Parish surveys (2011, 2013, 2023[i]) show strong community demand. (You can read more about our surveys by clicking on the dates.) (The 2011 survey summary, can be viewed on page 14 of the 2014 Business Plan)
The current hall and pavilion are ageing, difficult to access, and costly to maintain. If we don’t move forward with this project, then significant costs are coming down the line to improve the existing buildings
The new centre will be used by TN22 Clubs (elderly & dementia support), health and wellbeing classes, sports teams, Drama & Variety Club, dance classes, seasonal markets, craft sessions and lots more village events.
This is not “nice to have” — it’s essential to sustaining village life
“We could have, at a fraction of
the cost and no burden on the precept, a much improved current village hall.
Parking has been offered from 2 sources but have never been pursued.”
In 2010 a group was created to consider the best way forward. One consideration was to refurbish the existing main building;
The 2014 Business Plan carefully considered refurbishment of the existing hall as an option.
The then sub-committee undertook a Conditions Survey which identified “significant works required just to bring the main building up to standard, with a conservative estimate of £150k–£250k”. (Page 10, 2014 Buisness Plan)
This estimate excluded key requirements:
Extensions for additional storage.
A larger committee/meeting room.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets.
The cost of purchasing additional land.
Without these elements, refurbishment alone would not have met the community’s long-term needs.
The issue of parking was explored, but land purchase costs were judged too high, making this route unviable.
Public consultation supported the decision that refurbishment, even at “a fraction of the cost,” would not deliver the facilities or accessibility improvements required.
“Why should I pay for it? It doesn’t get used.”
We understand this concern — but the reality is that the current hall is under-used not because people don’t care, but because it no longer meets the needs of our community.
Parking is one of the biggest barriers. The old hall has almost no provision, which discourages parents with children, elderly residents, and anyone driving from nearby. The new centre design includes dedicated, accessible parking, making it much easier for everyone to use.
The current building is too small, outdated, and inaccessible for many activities. That’s why some potential hirers have decided not use it.
Despite these barriers, the hall is still in use by our drama club, ballet school, line dancing, dog training classes and several other community groups — as well as our local TN22 clubs – proof that demand exists. Imagine the use when those barriers are removed.
Other villages that have invested in new facilities (such as Barcombe, Five Ashes. High Hurstwood and Fordcombe) have seen usage rise significantly once new, modern, accessible halls were built.
Our 2023 parish survey[ii] showed that most of those against the project admitted they don’t use the hall at all. In other words, opposition is often from people who don’t engage with the facilities anyway.[iii] “The 17% against the proposal was comprised of 22 respondents. 72% of these respondents currently use the village hall only once or twice a year or never at all, and 82% rarely or never use the Pavilion. So these opinions, whilst important do not represent the major users of our community’s facilities.” HDCC Survey 2023
“People
don’t care — only 20% responded to the survey.”
A 20% survey return in a small parish is actually a strong level of engagement for this kind of consultation* — far higher than many parish initiatives.[iv]
But we don’t just rely on surveys. Demand is clear from the everyday activities that already use the space: TN22 Clubs, dance clubs, groups, fitness and wellbeing groups, drama productions, family parties, quiz nights, and lots more.
Importantly, Wealden District Council has recognised the value of this project, they would not make this commitment if the project did not have strong foundations and demonstrated need.
*In community engagement, response rates are usually low compared to things like election turnouts. The benchmark depends on the method: Parish / community surveys: According to Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) guidance on village hall consultations, a 10–20% return rate is considered “healthy” and shows a strong level of engagement for voluntary surveys in small communities.
Neighbourhood planning guidance from Locality (the national network supporting parish and town councils) also highlights that in many parishes, response rates of 15–20% are common and sufficient to demonstrate legitimacy when combined with wider evidence (meetings, consultation events, etc.).
General public surveys: The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and many market research bodies report that for voluntary, non-incentivised community surveys, response rates are typically 5–15%. Anything above 20% is therefore seen as strong engagement, especially for a small rural parish.
So, in context: A 20%
return in Hadlow Down is actually better than average, and compares
favourably with other parishes running similar consultations.
“The decision to borrow from the PWLB is a foregone conclusion.”
The Parish Council is asking for your view on September 9th in a Parish Poll[v].
No decision has been made
Voting will be overseen by the Parish Clerk who will be assisted by a Clerk from a different parish
It is true to say that without a YES vote, the project will struggle to attract major funding.
It is also important to recognise that a YES vote will unlock match funding from Wealden District Council.
This is not being imposed from above — it’s our parish decision; it’s up to you! Please vote.
“It’s not properly costed or researched — just like the failed
Buxted project.”
The costings have been prepared by a Quantity Surveyor working in partnership with the project architect, not guessed at.
Figures were reviewed and updated in July to reflect current market conditions.
Provisions for maintenance, insurance, and all legal certifications are included in the plans[vi]. Covered in sections 4 and 5 of 2023 Business Plan
This project is grounded in best practice and professional oversight to ensure long-term sustainability.
“It’s too ambitious for a small village.”
Big ambition in a small village is something we can all be proud of.
Investing in our future is not extravagance — it’s confidence in ourselves.
The new centre is designed for all generations: from children’s clubs to elderly care, from sport to culture, from coffee mornings to community celebrations.
“How about we put the money
and effort towards a new GP Practice”
These issues matter, but they fall outside the remit of the HDCC, which is a charity focused on building a new community centre.
GP surgeries and healthcare facilities fall under the responsibility of the NHS and local healthcare authorities, not parish councils[vii] or community organisations.
While parish councils can raise funds through council tax (the precept) for various community purposes—including community centres, recreation facilities, and events—they do not have statutory powers to fund or operate GP surgeries.
Spending regulations: Parish councils may support functions that benefit the community under the General Power of Competence, but only if they comply with broader legislation—and healthcare delivery is not one of them.
“Once it’s built, the costs of
cleaning and maintaining it will be a burden for generations.”
All costs were built in from the start
Maintenance, cleaning, insurance, and management expenses were fully considered during the Business Planning stage.
We consulted the current Village Hall committee, whose advice was critical in shaping our cost analysis.
Evidence-based approach
We benchmarked costs and income against similar-sized halls in Five Ashes, Barcombe, and two other villages. 2023 Business Plan, section 4, Finance
This gave us real-world evidence, not guesses.
Income will cover expenses
Even under our most conservative forecasts, the new centre will generate enough income from hires and use to cover maintenance, cleaning, and management.
These figures have been stress-tested against comparable halls.
Regular review and oversight
Running costs and income projections are reviewed regularly and reported to the Advisory Committee.
This means the plan is always being checked against reality
Long-term sustainability
By replacing two ageing buildings with one efficient, modern facility, the overall cost burden is reduced.
The new design is energy-efficient and cheaper to run in the long term
“Whether you are for the community centre or
against, the key word is community. The committee has worked tirelessly and
given so much of their time to ensure we don’t lose a community hub. The new
building will be a future for the village.”
Thank you for this
positive comment — it means a great deal to our volunteer team.
We want to recognise the many villagers, committee members, and trustees who have volunteered, given their enthusiasm, expertise, and time over the years. We are especially proud that our Chair, Treasurer, and one of our Trustees have been with the project since its very beginning. But this has always been a shared village effort, and we are deeply grateful to the many others who have joined in along the way.
We’ve seen some comments suggesting that the HDCC team are “entitled, privileged, and working on a vanity project nobody wants.”
We’re Villagers, Just Like You. We are residents of Hadlow Down — neighbours, parents, grandparents, friends. Every one of us is a volunteer, giving our time because we care about this village and its future.
Through our work with different organisations — from
TN22 Clubs to sports teams, drama productions, fundraising groups, and village
events — we have first-hand experience of the challenges and
limitations of the current hall and pavilion.
That insight is what drives us. We’re not pushing for
something “nice-to-have.” We’re working for facilities that
are accessible, welcoming, and sustainable, so they serve everyone in
the parish, for generations to come.
Entitled? ✔️ Yes – we believe everyone in our village is
entitled to better facilities, more opportunities, and a welcoming community
space for all ages.
Privileged? ✔️ Absolutely – it’s a huge honour to work alongside so
many passionate volunteers on something that could be truly game-changing for
our village.
A Vanity Project? ✔️ We’re proud of what’s been achieved so far – but this
isn’t about us, it’s about our whole community having the chance to decide
what happens next.
That’s why the upcoming poll on September 9th is so important. This is your village, your hall, and your decision.
Please make sure you vote, have your say, and help shape the future of our community.
Hadlow Down Community Centre Trustees, 4th September, 2025
You can view the full Parish Council presentation here. Including the details on possible increases to Council Tax by Band.
Reflections from the Pop-Up Surgery – Sunday 31st August 2025
Thank you to everyone who came along to our pop-up surgery last Sunday. We had some really valuable conversations and we’re grateful to all who took the time to share their views. Here’s a summary of what you told us, and how we’re responding:
🗣️ “We’d have preferred the existing Village Hall site, but we understand why it isn’t possible.”
What we’re doing: At the public meeting on July 22nd, the Parish Council explained that the current hall site was fully reviewed but rejected after consultation and cost analysis. Key reasons include:
Limited on-site parking and poor access for those with mobility challenges.
Narrow approach roads with no continuous pavement, creating safety risks.
Lack of funder support: major funders require safe pedestrian access, adequate parking, and compliance with accessibility rules.
Upgrading the existing site would require purchasing more land and major highway improvements . In contrast, the playing field offers the space, access, and ownership needed for a modern, fundable facility.
🗣️ “It’s water under the bridge now – let’s get going! How will funding work?”
What we’re doing: We’re glad to hear the enthusiasm for moving forward. The funding will be based on the following, IF the parish votes in favour:
A PWLB loan of up to £250,000, activated only once all other capital funds are secured.
Significant reclaimable VAT on Phase 1 (worth up to £440,000).
External funding from Wealden District Council and major grant bodies, unlocked by community support. The HDCC funding breakdown can be veiwed on pages 20-25 of the Parish Council presentation here
The hall will be delivered in phases:
Phase 1: New village hall £2.3 million ex.vat
Phase 2: Sports pavilion. £900,000 ex.vat
The existing hall will remain in use until the new one is ready.
🗣️ “We miss having a village hub – like the shop used to be. We’d love a proper community space.”
What we’re doing: The new centre is designed to become a true village hub – a place for clubs, classes, events, and everyday social connection. While we cannot operate a shop under planning rules, a community café is included in the plans to provide a welcoming space for residents. We will of course share your feedback regarding the shop with the Parish Council. We will increase publicity for our seasonal “market” events to ensure residents are aware of them.
🗣️ “We support the plan – but we must show commitment locally to unlock outside funding.”
What we’re doing: We agree. The support of parishioners is vital. The Parish Poll next Tuesday 9th September (3–9pm at the Village Hall) is your chance to demonstrate that commitment. A “yes” result will help secure significant external funding.
🗣️ “We’ve heard negative messages and weren’t sure. After talking, we feel much clearer.”
What we’re doing: We know there’s been conflicting information circulating. That’s why we’re continuing to run pop-up surgeries, post updates, and signpost to our Business Plan and supporting documents. If you haven’t read them yet, please do – they explain the research, costings, and comparisons with other villages that informed our decisions.
🗣️ “Why aren’t you fixing potholes, transport and other basics first?”
What we’re doing: These issues matter, but they fall outside the remit of the HDCC, which is a charity focused on building a new community centre. That said, we will pass on concerns about potholes and transport to County Councillor Bob Standley and District Councillor Michael Lunn.
We also explained:
The project will not increase traffic beyond what was assessed in the Transport Statement(available on our documents page).
Our vision is for a facility that supports a more cohesive community – which in turn makes the village stronger and more attractive.
🗣️ “We need reassurance on key points.”
What we’re doing:
✅ The existing hall stays open until the new one is ready.
✅ Construction only starts once all funds are in place.
✅ PWLB loan activated only once necessary.
✅ Advisory Group meets monthly to provide scrutiny.
🗣️ “We couldn’t find the Business Plan easily.”
What we’re doing:
We’re adding a direct link on our Facebook page to the Business Plan and making key documents more visible.
We’ll also highlight:
The Council Tax impact chart from the PC presentation to be reposted, see below
Our research into other halls, which many found reassuring once shared.
The fact that the new hall will serve not just Hadlow Down, but surrounding parishes too.
💬 Final Thoughts
The message we took away from Sunday is clear: people want progress, transparency, and a facility that will bring life back to the heart of our community. Your feedback helps us keep improving how we share information, and we remain committed to answering every question openly.
Next steps:
More Pop Up Surgeries this week, come and chat to us – ask questions and give us feedback in the Pavilion at the Playing field on –
Thursday 4th September, 6.30pm – 8pm
Sunday 7th September 10.00am – 12.30pm
Come and vote in the Parish Poll on Tuesday 9th September, 3–9pm at the Village Hall.
Come and Chat with Us About the New Hadlow Down
Community Centre!
The Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) warmly
invites you to join us at one of our Pop-Up Surgeries in the
Pavilion at the Playing Field on School Lane – the very site of our exciting
new building!
These sessions are being held ahead of the public
poll taking place on Tuesday 9th September, between 3pm
and 9pmin the Village Hall.
We know that some residents are already very
familiar with the project, but we’re also aware that others may be new to the
village or simply curious to learn more. Whether you’ve been following the
plans closely or are just hearing about them for the first time, this is your
chance to:
Ask questions
Share your thoughts
Meet our Trustees and Committee members
Discover all the details about the new Community Centre project
Pop-Up Surgery Dates:
Sunday
31st August – 10:30am to 12:00pm
Sunday
7th September – 10:30am to 12:00pm
We look forward to seeing you there – and to chatting over our shared vision for Hadlow Down’s future!
✨Join us onFBand Instagram for all our latest news and updates✨
As many of you who regularly visit these news pages, and are following our progress will know, the Parish Council held a public meeting last week to discuss a new funding opportunity for the Community Centre project. You can view the full Parish Council Presentation by clicking on the image below.
For those who were unable to attend, here is a summary of the key information that was shared with parishioners:
There is a long history to the project to replace our village hall with a new community centre on the playing field. The Parish Council and HDCC has been working on this for over 14 years. During that time, we have overcome planning hurdles, carried out numerous surveys, and faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lease negotiations.
We were pleased to achieve extant planning permission in June 2024. However, over the years, construction costs have significantly increased, and the availability of grant funding has decreased.
The latest estimates put the cost of the project at:
£2.3 million + VAT for Phase 1 – a modern village hall with essential facilities, parking, and disabled access.
£0.9 million + VAT for Phase 2 – including a sports bar and changing facilities.
Some of the larger grant schemes have ceased altogether, and those that remain tend to be smaller and more limited in scope. However, a new and significant opportunity has emerged through Wealden District Council, which is allocating £20 million in reserves (linked to local government restructuring) for community infrastructure projects, such as ours, that are ready to proceed.
The Parish Council met with Chris Bending from Wealden District Council, who confirmed that there is an opportunity to apply for up to £500,000, on the condition that the Parish can show an equivalent level of commitment—commonly referred to as having “skin in the game.”
Intention to Use Public Funds
It is important to recognise that HDCC has consistently maintained that it would not seek funding from the Parish Council. A member of the public rightly noted that in the earlier stages of the project, the Community Centre Committee and its Trustees expressed no intention to pursue public borrowing.
However, the emergence of this substantial, one-off opportunity from Wealden District Council has required a reassessment of funding options. The Parish Council is now exploring how best to demonstrate the required £500,000 local commitment in order to unlock the Wealden funding.
One option under consideration is a Public Works Loan, which could be used to match the funding offer and help secure the long-term viability of the project. No decision has been made to borrow, and the Parish Council has been working on gathering information, expert advice, and financial assessments which it will make available on the village website.
Next Steps: Community Decision
To demonstrate the Parish’s commitment, the PC are considering:
Selling the current village hall site, which has a recent valuation of £250,000 (subject to a village referendum).
Raising additional funds through a Public Works Loan, which could result in a modest council tax increase—estimated at 85p per week for a Band D household.
Given the importance of this issue, the Parish Council believes that the community must be fully involved in the decision-making process. This is why a public meeting was held—to clearly explain the context, options, and associated costs.
The presentation and all materials shared at the meeting will be published on the Village Website in the coming days.
Financial Prudence in the Current Climate
We completely understand the concern around
borrowing during a period of economic uncertainty. That is why:
The Parish Council is moving cautiously and responsibly.
Financial advice is being taken and cost scenarios are being fully assessed.
No application to the PWLB will be made without a clear and positive outcome from the public vote on September 9th.
Residents will be presented with a full breakdown of the proposal, including the impact on council tax, before being asked to vote.
Consideration of Alternatives
At the public meeting, the Parish Council made it clear that—following a lengthy process of public consultation and cost analysis—the best long-term option for the village is to build a new community facility at the playing field.
That said, it is important to acknowledge that alternative suggestions—such as extending or improving the current village hall—have been carefully considered.
A detailed review of the existing site highlighted several limitations:
Limited on-site parking, making access difficult for users, especially those with limited mobility.
Poor road access, with narrow approaches that cannot support increased traffic.
No continuous pavement, creating safety risks for pedestrians—particularly children and disabled residents.
Because of these constraints, East Sussex Highways have previously declined to support redevelopment of the current site. In addition, major funders have advised that substantial investment would require:
Safe, all-ability pedestrian access.
Adequate off-road parking.
Full compliance with accessibility regulations.
To achieve this at the current site, significant public investment would be needed to acquire additional land and upgrade infrastructure and the unadopted road, making the option financially and logistically unviable.
In contrast, the playing field site already offers:
Sufficient space for a modern facility and the land is already owned by the PC
Better vehicle and pedestrian access.
Potential to meet regulatory and funder requirements.
For these reasons, the Parish Council concluded that the playing field location represents the most practical and fundable option for the future of the village.
Doing Nothing – A Risk We Must Consider
Of course, another option is to do nothing—to
continue using and patching up the current buildings. However, these facilities
are already ageing, expensive to maintain, and increasingly unsuitable for
the needs of a vibrant and growing community.
By taking no action, we risk a future in which the
current buildings fall further into disrepair, potentially requiring closure.
That would leave Hadlow Down with no community infrastructure at
all—no venue for events, classes, clubs, or social support.
We believe this risk is significant and must be
weighed carefully against the opportunity now in front of us.
Have Your Say
We ask that you exercise your democratic right to vote on this important issue and ensure that your voice is heard.
HDCC is committed to respecting and listening to the will of fellow village residents. If you would like to find out more about the project, please explore the news articles, project history, supporting documents, and FAQs available here on our Website.
The trustees remain committed to meeting with any residents who would like further details or have specific questions.
To arrange a conversation or request a meeting, please contact Bob Lake at bob.lake@live.co.uk.
A village referendum/poll will be held on September 9th. To vote, you must be registered on the electoral roll. Voting will take place from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
We encourage every resident to participate and help shape the future of our village.
The Parish Council has called a public meeting to discuss the future funding of the new Community Centre. This is a crucial moment for the future of our village and its shared spaces – Village Hall, existing Sports Pavilion and proposed new Centre.
At this meeting, the Parish Council will present the full facts and outline how any decisions could affect your Council Tax. It is essential that as many residents as possible attend to stay informed and make their voices heard.
Please note: This meeting is being organised and chaired by the Parish Council — not by HDCC. However, as the committee responsible for the project, we know many of you care deeply about the future of our Community Centre and the wider village spaces.
We’re delighted to announce that HDCC will be running the Bar at this year’s Village Fayre – and we couldn’t be prouder to support our wonderful friends on the Village Fayre Committee!
The Village Fayre is one of the highlights of the year – a brilliant celebration of everything we love about Hadlow Down. It’s a joyful afternoon for all ages, a vital fundraiser for our village organisations, and a chance to come together as a community on our beautiful Playing Field.
As the project to build a new Community Centre continues to move forward, we’re excited about the future – and about being able to offer a fantastic space for events like the Fayre right at the heart of our village.
A huge thank you to everyone who makes this event possible – and a special shout-out to Guy Osborne for his invaluable help setting up the bar. We couldn’t do it without you, Guy!
Come find us at the bar on the day – we’ll be serving Harveys, Pimms, Prosecco, and more with a smile. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you!
Hadlow Down is at a critical turning point. Our current Village Hall and Sports Pavilion —much-loved but aging— are reaching the end of their life spans.
These buildings, the beating heart of local life, now struggle to meet the expectations and needs of our vibrant and diverse community. Their facilities are outdated, maintenance costs are rising, and crucially, accessibility—particularly for older residents—is severely limited. Parking is inadequate, and access routes are neither convenient nor inclusive at the current Village Hall.
This is not a matter of mere inconvenience; it is a barrier to community participation, wellbeing, and progress. If we are to truly serve the people of Hadlow Down, we must act decisively. We need a modern, multi-functional Community Centre, purpose-built at the Playing Field, where it can best support the entire village—from young families and professionals to elderly residents and local organisations. As outlined in our business plan, modern rural communities across the UK are embracing innovative, inclusive facilities designed for the future. Hadlow Down must not be left behind.
A Beacon for Community Cohesion
A new Community Centre is not just about replacing
buildings—it’s about reimagining what it means to live well in Hadlow Down.
This centre will serve as the cornerstone of village life, fostering belonging,
inclusion, and engagement for all.
A Hub for All Generations: The new space will support social groups, children’s activities, support services, and lifelong learning—all under one accessible roof. It will also champion health and sport for all ages, with indoor and outdoor areas designed for everything from gentle fitness and wellbeing sessions to team sports and active play for children and teens.
Safer, More Accessible Infrastructure: With properly designed entrances, level surfaces, and expanded parking, older residents and those with mobility challenges will finally be able to attend events and gatherings with ease and dignity.
A Stronger Local Economy: With flexible, modern facilities, we can support local businesses, encourage increased participation in events, and attract external event bookings—bringing fresh energy and funding to the community.
What the New Multi-Functional Facility Will Offer At the heart of this vision is a purpose-built facility that is responsive to real needs, both now and into the future. Here’s what Hadlow Down’s new Community Centre will provide:
🏡 Community Green Space and Outdoor Activities A thoughtfully designed environment will create a vital outdoor extension of the Centre:
An area for picnics, and café users positioned outside the centre commanding excellent views of the playing field and children’s play area.
Outdoor fitness classes, yoga sessions, and sports facilities.
A new children’s playground relocated away from the roadside and pollution, offering a safer, cleaner, and more visible space for children to play. It will be within clear sight of the main hall and café area, allowing parents to relax and supervise comfortably.
A welcoming environment for mindfulness, reflection, and informal socialising.
Secure bicycle parking to encourage visitors to cycle to the Centre, promoting sustainable transport and providing peace of mind with safe, accessible bike storage facilities.
The playing field will continue to warmly welcome dog walkers, who already make regular use of the space. With the addition of new facilities and enhanced surroundings, we hope it will become an even more appealing and inclusive destination for the whole community—including their four-legged companions.
☕ Coffee Hub and Mobile Workspace Supporting modern lifestyles, the Centre will feature:
A relaxed, welcoming café with indoor and outdoor seating.
High-speed internet and quiet zones for mobile working, studying, or casual meetings.
Regular events such as networking breakfasts, co-working days, and pop-up clinics.
🎭 Cultural, Educational and Creative Programmes A vibrant programme of activities will bring the new Centre to life:
A permanent base for Hadlow Down’s Drama and Variety Club, offering improved facilities for rehearsals, set-building, costume storage, and performances. With a modern stage area, lighting, and AV equipment, the new Centre will elevate the quality and ambition of our productions.
The Centre will also welcome productions and performances from neighbouring villages and amateur theatre groups, creating a thriving cultural exchange and giving residents access to more local entertainment and creative collaboration.
Educational workshops, talks, and arts classes for all ages—from painting and photography to crafts and creative writing.
Flexible gallery and exhibition space to showcase work by local artists, historians, and schools, helping to foster pride in local talent and heritage.
🎉 Flexible Event and Community Spaces The Centre’s modular indoor areas will:
Adapt for everything from small group meetings to large-scale celebrations.
Host weddings, fitness classes, markets, and charity fundraisers.
Offer modern AV and accessibility support for inclusive programming. In a new Community Centre, high-quality AV infrastructure makes the space much more versatile, supporting everything from fitness classes with music to professional presentations, film nights, hybrid meetings, and more.
The new building will continue to host much-loved regular activities such as dance classes and dog training sessions, with improved space, lighting, and acoustics to enhance the experience for both participants and instructors. These well-attended sessions are a testament to the active spirit of our village and will now benefit from better facilities and greater accessibility.
Health, Wellbeing and Social Impact A facility of this kind does more than just host events—it actively improves lives:
Mental Health: Spaces for social interaction reduce loneliness and boost wellbeing, especially for those living alone or new to the area.
Physical Health: Safe access, indoor fitness options, and outdoor trails will encourage regular activity.
Social Inclusion: With accessible design and a wide range of activities, no one is left behind—regardless of age, background, or mobility.
Sporting Access and Community Fitness: The addition of modern changing rooms in the new pavilion will bring our sporting facilities back in line with standards set by sporting bodies. This will not only rejuvenate grassroots sport in Hadlow Down but also attract junior football teams and youth leagues, encouraging active lifestyles from an early age and cementing the playing field’s role as a vibrant community sports venue.
The Vision: A Future-Ready Hadlow Down By redeveloping the Sport Pavilion and combining the Village Hall at the Playing Field, into a thriving community hub, we unlock the full potential of our village. This is not just about today—it’s about investing in tomorrow. The project reflects the most successful examples across the UK, such as those featured in our business plan, where rural communities have revitalised their social fabric through thoughtful, inclusive design.
The Centre will embody the values we hold dear:
Sustainability: Built with long-term environmental impact in mind.
Inclusion: Accessible for all ages and abilities.
Creativity and Culture: A canvas for local talent and shared experiences.
Health and Sport: With indoor activity spaces, outdoor playing fields and new changing facilities, the Centre will promote active lifestyles across all age groups—from children and teens to older adults.
And perhaps most excitingly, the new Community Centre
will flow directly into the beautiful green space of the Playing Field—a rare
and wonderful combination. Imagine the possibilities:
Parents relaxing with a coffee or drink from the café or bar while watching their children play safely in the fresh air just outside.
Events that naturally extend outdoors—summer fairs, open-air yoga, theatre and open- air cinema under the sky.
A seamless indoor-outdoor environment where health, leisure, and community connection thrive together.
This fusion of high-quality facilities and a stunning
natural setting makes Hadlow Down’s vision not only unique but truly
transformative.
A Call to Action This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Hadlow Down stronger, healthier, and more united. It is not simply about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a place where everyone feels they belong. Let’s build something extraordinary. Let’s build a Community Centre that reflects who we are—and who we want to be.
Share your support on our FB and Instagram Pages and help us bring this vision to life.
Having secured Planning Permission we are currently working hard to secure the funding to move forward. Thank you to all our residents who have so generously supported us to get to this stage.
We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Janet Tourell, one of our longest-serving trustees, has been awarded “Community Champion” by the Parish Council at this year’s Annual Assembly.
Janet’s dedication and passion for our community have made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way.
The assembly itself was a vibrant and inspiring event — parishioners came together to review the Parish Plan, share their feedback, and offer fresh ideas for the future. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed!
We were especially delighted by the strong support shown for the new Community Centre project 🙏🏻
Want to learn more or get involved? We’re always looking for new Community Champions. Drop us a message — we’d love to hear from you!
