In mid November, Hadleigh Conservative Councillors were alerted by users that there were problems with the boiler at the Hadleigh Old Fire Station. From that, whispers then circulated that it was possible that ACAVA, the London based Charity that leases the building from ECC might not be renewing their lease and would therefore no longer be managing and running the building. As Hadleigh Councillors, we reached out to the Hadleigh Community Group as we recognised the need to move quickly to explore the option of putting a contingency plan in place, should ACAVA choose not to renew their lease and have been actively working with Hadleigh Community Group, users and the wider community on the way forward.

ACAVA have now confirmed they will not be renewing the lease.

The collaboration between councillors, ECC, the HCG and the artists and users of the hall over the last eight weeks, steered by HCG, has resulted

in phase one of securing an ACV on the building and the setting up of an independent Community Interest Company being negotiated, ‘Friends of HOFS’ to explore the viability of the community taking over the lease and managing HOFS for the benefit of its artists and the wider Castle Point community.

The online ECC petition has also been been set up, the link is here: https://cmis.essex.gov.uk/.../Sign-Save-Hadleigh-Old-Fire...

The poster and physical petition campaign has also been launched - look out for the volunteers out and about over the next few weeks.

This is still a lot to do, but by working together as a community, a lot has been achieved in just a couple of months. Big thanks to everyone who has been in touch and got involved, the diligent volunteers of HCG, and the Artists and users of HOFS. Stay positive, spread the word and we can do this if we all work together.