Repairs to Commence at Darwin Hall

Published: 18 May 2023

Repairs to the roof of Darwin Hall Community Hall are set to begin in June, following several months of preparation and other repair work carried out at the hall during 2022. The work will comprise an effective replacement of the roof structure above joist level, with removal and replacement of existing zinc, insulation and decking, plus replacement of the rooflights. This will resolve the existing problems of water ingress and condensation which are causing significant issues for the hall and its users. The new roof construction will be more thermally efficient than the current provision, and the opportunity is also being taken to improve and repair the rainwater goods and internal lighting.

Beginning during week commencing 19 June, a significant scaffold will be erected around and over the hall to enable the work to take place. The elements of the project that require hall closure have been planned to coincide with the summer break for Jack and Jill’s pre-school which is based at the Hall, with further work continuing on their return in September. The project is scheduled to be complete with scaffold removed by early November.

Lichfield City Council Leader Cllr Dave Robertson said:

This project will provide a long-term solution to the problems experienced by users of the hall and will safeguard the future of the building. The Council has a very experienced, local main contractor in Messenger BCR, and the expertise of local architects Brownhill Hayward Brown to guide the project. I would also like to thank Jack and Jill’s Pre-School and the Management Committee of Darwin Hall for their assistance and co-operation, the Ink Well/Marstons for allowing a licence to use part of their land for scaffold, and Waitrose for the provision of overflow parking. Seeing local businesses and groups coming together in this way for the benefit of this important community facility is a brilliant reminder of the value of cooperation across our great city.