A MUCH-LOVED community hall in Empshott is to be brought up to standard with an extension, new toilets and other refurbishments.
East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has put £15,000 towards the works which will cost just over £50,000 in total.
The hall, called the village hut, is owned by Empshott Parochial Church Council and was built in 1914.
Due to its age, the current facilities are in poor condition and the toilet is not accessible to wheelchair users.
A questionnaire among villagers showed that upgraded, modern facilities would encourage more residents to use the hall.
The project will improve the village hut and provide better facilities for residents, allowing them to use the hut for events more often.
The main hall will be refurbished with work on the wooden floor, replacing the heating and lighting systems with modern, low-energy options, better insulation and upgraded electrical fittings. One of the two new toilets will be for disabled people’s use.
As well as the district council’s grant, funding has been secured from Hampshire County Council, Hawkley Parish Council and other organisations.
Fundraising events have been held by villagers, including a performance by nationally-renowned country music duo Ward Thomas, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, who grew up in Empshott.
EHDC portfolio holder for customer service Cllr Julie Butler said: “Cabinet grants have very strict criteria and we expect the applicants to have looked at all other funding opportunities before they come to us.
“The successful bids always have a really proactive team behind them and projects that can show a real benefit to the wider community.”