Building the Future
There is no denying that times are tough. But the saying “when the going get’s tough, the tough get going’ couldn’t be truer than in the case of two forward thinking organisations based right in the heart of Wallsend. Earlier this year Wallsend Memorial Hall Trust and Wallsend People’s Centre made a strategic decision to join forces and become a new charity dedicated to providing Social, Cultural and Educational opportunities for the people of Wallsend and the wider Borough of North Tyneside.
At a time where collaboration really does make the difference between success and failure, particularly for organisations in the voluntary sector, the new charity - Wallsend Memorial Hall & People’s Centre – represents the first step towards not only surviving, but to succeeding.
Investment The new organisation has already secured £1.1 million of capital investment from the Community Builders fund. This investment in Wallsend (which to date is the largest to be awarded in the region) is being used to repair and refurbish the building so that it can capitalise on its unique space and central location. Significant alterations include; • New glass entrance which will improve roadside visibility and enhance overall appeal • New staircase and lift to improve accessibility and meet regulations • Re-configuration of level 1, creating a suite of versatile meeting rooms and office space • Installation of catering kitchen and bar facilities to service functions and events • Repair and renewal of the old caretakers flat to create a useable space, likely to be a dedicated youth space
The refurbishment will transform a well used and much loved building into a centre which will better meet the diverse needs of the people of Wallsend.
The Vision Wallsend Memorial Hall & People’s Centres’ vision is to create an unparalleled community facility which serves the community and make a significant contribution to the regeneration of the town. The focus will be on celebrating and promoting the spirit of regeneration whilst continuing to reach out and support those that need it. To achieve this, the focus will be to build on and enhance the organisations’ commercial offer, and in order to achieve this, the charity has set up a trading arm, Wallsend Hall Enterprises Ltd to look after the range of paid for services on offer at the MEM.
Morag Robertson, Business & Marketing Manager for Wallsend Hall Enterprises Ltd explains “With the shift in Government focus placing funding primarily with large, private sector organisations which often sees the third sector miss out, Wallsend Memorial Hall & People’s Centre has adopted a commercial model that will generate its own income through the provision of paid for services. Our key asset is an incredible building capable of hosting a range of events from large scale conferences, weddings and special occasions, right through to day-to-day training events, classes, workshops and community group meetings. Our services will be promoted to the business community, voluntary sector and private consumers who recognise the importance of supporting an organisation so crucial to the local area in which they live, work and do business.”
Community Projects All of the profits generated by Wallsend Hall Enterprises Ltd will be used to support the ongoing delivery of existing community projects as well as allowing the organisation to respond to local needs in areas such as employability, youth work, health and wellbeing, community development, education and cultural opportunities. Much work is already being carried out through partnerships and funded projects. In terms of health and wellbeing, a partnership with the TUC has provided vital support relating to benefits and compensation for sufferers of asbestos related illnesses via the Northern Region Asbestos Support & Campaign Group. Employability services are available through the provision of UK Online and Learn Direct courses, as well as courses provided by North Tyneside Council’s Adult Learning Alliance who also have a long standing relationship with this community organisation.
From a cultural perspective, the MEM aspires to become a cultural, music and arts venue for the area which will to some extent, respond to the gap left by the loss of the Buddle Arts Centre. And with many more exciting plans for the future, including developing the MEM as a Hospitality & Catering Centre of Excellence, the future is very bright indeed.
To find our more about Wallsend Memorial Hall & People’s Centre (the MEM) visit www.wallsendmem.org or contact us on (0191) 2635029.
