UPDATE ON MEADVALE HALL

The PCC of St John’s, Redhill has been carefully considering the future of Meadvale Hall for some time. We are very aware of the hall’s long history of community use and the importance of local groups who have made their home there.

Over the past two years, we have been open about the fact that Meadvale Hall would eventually need to be sold. We have given as much notice as possible to those affected, so they have the time and opportunity to explore options for the future.

As a PCC, we have a duty to ensure that parish funds are used to further our charitable objectives – serving our congregation and wider community – rather than being absorbed by the costs of maintaining a deteriorating building and servicing the loan that was taken out to provide the new Community Centre.

For these reasons, the PCC, with advice from professional agents and legal advisers, has followed the structured and transparent process required by charity law for the sale of the site. All interested parties, including local groups, have been given the opportunity to submit proposals and evidence of funding by a set deadline.

The PCC has considered all the bids together under professional advice and has made a decision in line with our legal duties and the best interests of the parish to accept a bid which works best for all involved from an interested party whose stated intention is to allow the 34th Meadvale Scouts an option to purchase the Scout Hut when planning permission has been achieved. The PCC believes this is the best outcome possible in all the circumstances especially taking into account the poor condition of Meadvale Hall.

We remain grateful for all those in the community who use our buildings and share in our mission, and we want to reassure everyone that our focus is on ensuring that the resources of the parish are directed to supporting ministry, worship, and service to the community for the years ahead.