Screenshot
A New Roof for Your Village Hall!
Investing in the Future
This summer we’re carrying out the biggest improvement to Lockerley & East Dean Village Hall for 30 years.
Our existing roof has served the community well for decades, but it has now reached the end of its working life. Thanks to funding from Test Valley Borough Council, support from Lockerley Parish Council and the generosity of our local community, we’re now able to replace the roof and install modern insulation that will help secure the Hall for many years to come.
Why are we replacing the roof?
The existing roof is made from asbestos cement tiles, a material that was widely used when the building was constructed. While asbestos cement is generally considered safe when it remains in good condition and undisturbed, the roof is reaching the end of its serviceable life and replacement is now the responsible long-term solution. The existing roof has been carefully removed by licensed specialists.
This project is about much more than replacing roof tiles.
Our new roof will:
- Protect the building for future generations.
- Improve insulation with the aim of making the Hall warmer throughout the year.
- Reduce energy use and running costs.
- Create a more comfortable environment for all our users.
- Provide a strong foundation for future sustainability and resilience projects.
These improvements will help ensure the Hall remains an affordable, welcoming and well-used community facility for years to come.
Keeping the Hall Open
One of our priorities has been to keep disruption to a minimum.
Although scaffolding will be in place and parking arrangements may occasionally change, the Hall will remain open whilst it is safe to do so. Regular activities, clubs and events will continue throughout the project unless users are contacted directly.
Please bear with us while these important improvements take place, in particular with disruption to car parking.
A Community Project
This project has only been possible because of the support of many people and organisations.
We would like to thank:
- Test Valley Borough Council
- Lockerley Parish Council
- Our volunteers
- Our regular hall users
- Everyone who has supported our fundraising events
Every coffee morning, Lock Inn, Bingo night, makers markets and community event has helped us move one step closer to securing the future of the Hall.
What happens next?
Once the roof project is complete, our work doesn’t stop there. NThe Hall Management Committee is continuing to explore ways to make the building even more sustainable, reduce running costs and improve the facilities available to our community. This new roof is an important first step towards that vision.
Progress Updates
🏗️ ROOF UPDATE – September 2026 – The new roof is taking shape
Work on our major roof replacement project is continuing and, as the latest photographs show, the transformation is now very visible.
The project has taken longer than originally anticipated, largely because the original asbestos-containing roof tiles proved much more fragile than expected. Many broke up during removal, meaning the material had to be removed particularly slowly and carefully. Periods of very hot weather and rain have also affected the programme.
The asbestos containing roof covering was successfully removed in time for the school reopening at the beginning of September. New insulation, breathable membrane and battens have now been installed across the roof, and the roofers are making good progress laying the new fibre-cement slate type tiles.
The flat-roof areas along the entrance hallway are also almost complete and, importantly, are now watertight.
A much better insulated Hall
One of the most significant improvements isn’t visible from outside. The Main Hall, which previously had no roof insulation, is now properly insulated.
Together with the new roof covering, this represents a major improvement to the building and should make a real difference to its energy efficiency and comfort for Hall users for many years to come.
There are still finishing works to complete. A few areas of internal plaster were dislodged during installation of the new roof and these will be made good by the contractors towards the end of the project.
When will the work be finished?
We are keen to see the project completed and the Hall returned fully to normal as soon as possible. Subject to weather and progress over the coming weeks, we currently anticipate completion by the end of the October half term.
Until then, the scaffolding and parking restrictions need to remain in place. The Hall is open as usual, but the property remains an active building site, so we ask everyone visiting to take extra care and keep clear of fenced-off working areas and access ladders.
We know the continuing works have caused inconvenience and are very grateful to our Hall users, neighbours and wider community for their patience and cooperation.
It has been a longer journey than we originally anticipated, but we’re getting there – and it’s wonderful to see our new roof taking shape.
Any questions or comments please contact us at: secretary@lockerleyvillagehall.org.uk
