Community hub opens in 160-year-old Chesterfield building following Mayor’s investment

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall has been officially reopened following a major refurbishment which has created a modern community hub.

The refurbished hub features a community pantry, community bar and café, family hub, physical activity space and a health hub. It provides a space for the village residents to access a variety of support services and socialise together.

Originally built as a workmen’s hall in 1863, the refurbishment of the building has been led by Barrow Hill Community Trust with funding from the Staveley Town Deal and East Midlands Combined County Authority amongst others.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities have the investment they need to shape their own future. This refurbishment has breathed new life into an important local building, creating a welcoming space where people can meet, stay active, access support, and build connections.

“I’m delighted that money from my investment fund has helped create the new family hub and physical activity space, while supporting the Trust to unlock further investment. I’m committed to backing projects that strengthen our communities and help make the East Midlands a place where people are proud to live, work, and raise a family.”

Community hub history

Charles Paxton Markham donated the building to the community as a war memorial in the 1920s and a trust has been managing it ever since.

Simon Redding, Barrow Hill Community Trust chairperson, said: “It is wonderful to see the first phase of the Memorial Hall refurbishment finished, with local people enjoying the facilities and benefiting from the new services on offer. As a community-led charity, we will continue to develop these services hand in hand with local people – who are at the heart of all that we do.”

Funding through the Staveley Town Deal has been used to create the new health hub and social space but also upgrades to the fabric of the building like the roof, heating system and electrical system which will support future phases of development.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council leader and Staveley Town Deal vice-chair, said: “The trust has created a fantastic hub that will make a real difference in the community. This refurbishment will give the building a new lease of life and provide an inviting space where everyone in the community can access a range of services.

“Our aim through the Staveley Town Deal has been to create a place where people can start, stay and grow – this project embodies that by ensuring members of the community can thrive at every stage of their life.”

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) provided funding that was used to create the family hub and physical activity space. It has also provided match funding to support further funding bids to refurbish the first floor.

Barrow Hill Community Trust are planning future phases of the refurbishment that will focus on the first floor to create a reading room and community venue.

To find out more about the building and the community trust visit www.barrowhill.community/home.