Local residents of Brackenhall and Ferndale will soon be welcoming an exciting new community building.
Northfield Hall is currently taking shape in Sheepridge, Huddersfield for the Brackenhall Community Trust. Work began in July 2011 and the aim of the project is to update and replace the area’s previous community facilities. The majority of the external works are now complete on the site and with the interior fit-out underway, Northfield Hall is due to be completed in April 2012.
Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative Limited (DBI) are providing funding for the project and Fresh Horizons will manage the building once it is operational. QSP Construction is the main contractor, whilst Watson Batty Architects Limited is the architect and CDM Health and safety co-ordinator. The project is being managed by William Saunders.
Chair of the DBI Ltd Board, Councillor Jean Calvert, said:
“A new community facility for the Brackenhall and Ferndale estates has been one of the DBI’s priorities since the very beginning and the time and commitment we have put into the project along with the Trust, not to mention the major funding DBI has invested, shows our intent to make sure that the community receives the best possible facility.
“We are aware of the need to ensure Northfield Hall is sustainable so it can serve the local community for years to come and that is why we are working closely with a wide range of partners to achieve this goal. The project is further proof of DBI’s commitment to developing better facilities and services within the area, with the aim of improving the quality of life for all its residents.”
Northfield Hall is divided into a number of internal areas, including a board room, an activity room, Jolly Rodger’s play gym and a multi-purpose area that will become a home for meetings, training courses and after school clubs.
The building will also contain a large hall for functions and events as well as a café that will open during the day to serve sandwiches and hot food and can also double as a restaurant during the evenings. A multi-use games area (MUGA) and playing fields will also be part of the development.
In addition to serving the community, Brackenhall United Reformed Church (URC) will be using a purpose-built space on the site for their services and activities.
Watson Batty Architects Director, Richard Merrills, said:
“Having been involved with the whole DBI regeneration project since 2000, Watson Batty Architects is delighted to see the Northfield Hall scheme come to fruition. We have worked closely with the DBI, Brackenhall Community Trust, Brackenhall United Reform Church and the Local Authority to help deliver such an important local landmark.
“This new building is the culmination of a great team effort and represents how integrating a number of good ideas can ultimately create a terrific shared facility.”
Brackenhall Community Trust Chair, Joan Mallinson, added:
“I am really excited that construction of Northfield Hall is nearing completion. After many years of hard work by many people, it now feels like the end is in sight and now the building has a name and identity it feels that little bit more real.
“As a Trust we are committed to ensuring that Northfield Hall will offer the best facilities and service possible for the local community now and for the future.”
