Aldworth Village Hall will be demolished and replaced with an eco-friendly building
Work has started to rebuild a 1920s village hall after a community raised £343,000 for the project.
The former Canadian Army hut in Aldworth, near Reading, will be replaced with an eco-friendly version.
A decision to replace the entire building was made after surveyors found it would cost £80,000 to repair the existing structure.
It is hoped the new eco-features, including solar panels and better insulation, will reduce running costs.
'Lifeblood' of village
Nick Williams, of Aldworth Village Hall Charitable Trust, said it was the "focal point" of the village and is used by a range of community groups.
He said: "This new eco-friendly hall will meet the current needs of villagers and it will also be a legacy for future generations."
An architect's impression shows what the new village hall will look like once work is complete
Villagers raised more than £90,000 from events, and received grants including £125,000 from the Greenham Common Trust and £55,441 from the Veolia Environmental Trust to fund the project.
Greenham Common Trust chief executive Chris Boulton said village halls were "the lifeblood of the community".
The new hall is expected to open this winter.
- Published18 March 2013
- Published3 June 2011
