Community hall could be replaced by larger centre

AN ‘outdated’ city community hall could be knocked down and replaced with a bigger centre which could also feature a café.

Plans have been submitted to Exeter City Council to demolish Exwick Parish Hall, which was built shortly after the First World War, and to build a two-storey community centre in its place.

Grainge Architects said the current building is “outdated and unsuitable for continued usage”.

Planning documents state: “The existing hall is a single-storey building constructed in the early 20th century. There have been a number of extensions and internal alterations, making it now outdated and unsuitable for continued usage.

“Initially the intention was to undertake a further infill extension together with internal alterations. However, this was considered to be too costly and would not have dealt with all the issues.”

If approved, the new centre will be built in the current car park, which would allow the hall to be used during construction. The old hall would then be demolished once the new building is completed to create a new car park.

Grainge Architects said the current building “dilutes” the character of the surrounding area. The new hall would be more modern in style, while feeling “generous and welcoming”.

Floor plans for the new building show a main hall with a moveable partition, a kitchen, meeting room, café, toilets and waiting room on the ground floor and another hall with three offices, an interview room, a balcony and a general purpose area on the first floor. The ground floor would open out onto a covered terrace and the Jubilee Gardens.

The parish hall is run by volunteers and hosts a variety of local groups and events.