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.
As part of the project, the existing roof will be carefully removed by licensed specialists before the new insulated roof is installed.
This project is about much more than replacing roof tiles.
The 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 wherever 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.
The 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 – END OF AUGUST 2026
Our new roof is taking shape – but the old one isn’t giving up quite as easily as we expected!
Work on the Village Hall roof has been progressing well over the summer, but the contractors have encountered an unexpected challenge. The original tiles over the Main Hall are more than 100 years old and many are shattering as they are removed, making the process much slower and more painstaking than anticipated.
As a result, the project is now expected to continue throughout September.
There is plenty of good news. Much of the old roof has already been removed, the roof timbers inspected and sections prepared with new breathable membrane and battens ready for the new fibre-cement tiles. Importantly, the Main Hall is also being properly insulated for the first time, which should make a significant difference to heat loss and help make the Hall warmer and more energy efficient for many years to come.
The project also includes properly renewing the flat-roof areas, which over the years have accumulated numerous individual repairs rather than having the whole covering replaced. The existing flat roof has unfortunately allowed some water ingress where it has been disturbed as the adjoining pitched-roof work has progressed, including during the recent heavy rain. The roofers have attended to this and are hopeful the affected areas are now watertight. The flat roof will receive a new membrane as part of the works, providing a much better long-term solution, and any internal water damage resulting from the works will be made good by the contractors.
With Lockerley Primary School next door, we are particularly conscious that the works will now extend into the new school term. The asbestos-containing roof tiles and associated waste will be removed from site in time for the Children’s return, and the contractors will continue to maintain secure working areas and appropriate safety measures throughout the remaining works.
The Hall remains open, although parking will continue to be restricted until the project is completed.
Thank you for bearing with us. After more than 100 years, perhaps the old roof can be forgiven for making its departure slightly difficult! 😊
We’ll keep you posted as our new roof continues to take shape.
Any questions or comments please contact us at: secretary@lockerleyvillagehall.org.uk