For older and younger people:

Play-reading groups

Drama groups

Literary circles

Art/Music Appreciation circles

Circle 67 players need a home for rehearsals and performance

A sound proof practice studio for young or old musicians

I feel this building (project) should be suitable to accommodate all kinds of music with some form of staging and lighting, be it temporary.

Songwriters nights

To help musicians and to provide much needed entertainment for young and old, especially the young.

Space for dance and lectures.

Music drama for all ages.

A hall for bands, Djs etc (better than Rifle Hall)

A stage for performing

Lets have a multi purpose Hall with a good floor, good lights and sound system.

Two small rooms for self help groups to meet

A multi gym

Facilities for musical concerts/theatrical productions

Art Centre for Theatre/Music

A central Hall for all activities to take place

Cinema

Cinema

Big Screen Video

How about a small Cinema as well as space for a theatre (x4)

When you want to go to the Theatre it costs to travel so there should be a Cinema here in Halesworth

Space for Disco

A venue is needed for bands, discos, wedding receptions etc.

Will a questionnaire be done?

Is there enough youngsters etc to use this centre?

Hall with stage

Room for committee meetings

Room for local associations

Good kitchen

A stage or theatre like construction

Multi function building to accommodate a multitude of activities, such as live performances i.e. music, theatre, drama.

Various 'off shoot' rooms for meetings etc

Be able to attract commercial businesses for conferences etc

Room for dance

Accommodation for local model railway club

The Halesworth Volunteer centre needs ideas to expand it's operations and funding.

Perhaps there exists a need for something that could make a profit.

School uniform exchange

Community Photocopying facilities

A book exchange scheme

A community photocopier, so that any profit could be ploughed back into maintenance or community

Social meeting area

Communal photocopier

Communal information - display facilities

Information Centre

Poster space

LETS info

Information Centre for local events

Somewhere to put posters, leaflets etc

A place which will co-ordinate and inform of various activities in Halesworth

Space for Art, Music, Drama for all ages.

In order to be useful to us, info about events in Halesworth needs to reach Blythburgh - we feel a bit "forgotten" at present.

Workshop space for local facilitators, e.g. stress management, personal awareness, body work, tai chi, dance, music etc (x2)

A quiet space for reflection and meditation

The interest in complementary practice therapies and medicine have brought a need for facilities to complement the Doctors surgery

Therapy rooms

Workshop space

Poster space

Information Centre

Drop In Centre

Room for Dance

Meetings

Healing Centre

LETS info

A drop in facility where people do not have to commit themselves to regular meetings, but where they can meet on an informal basis, e.g. young Mums, a ladies group, young people etc (refreshment facilities?)

Drop in centre for tea, coffee, chat.

Craft classes

Good Parking

People with Zimmer frames don't use the Day Centre at present because there isn't room to accommodate them, must allow for storage for them and wheelchairs

Good kitchen

A well equipped keep fit centre is required for adults, available for use during the day, not as is usual, evenings only.

Drop In Centre

Reading Centre with papers and magazines.

Perhaps a drop in centre for the active over 50s to meet for informal social contact.

Area outside

Fruit trees, e.g. cherry available for anyone to pick as they pass

Disabled access

This project should be run in conjunction with the playing fields association who will also be seeking the support of local and district councils and funding grants from Lottery, Sports Council etc for their proposed new facilities

Community Hall for exhibitions

Art displays

Space for Art

Art classes to be restarted somewhere

Painting

An Art room space Workshops, both clean and messy ones

Adult education, various

Craft classes

Art club for amateur artists to do their own thing in an encouraging atmosphere

For older people Craft circles(sewing embroidery etc)

Rooms for committee and association meetings

We need a building where rooms can be allocated to various groups to "do there own thing". Compare what is available in some of the surrounding villages with what our Town has to offer. Try not to pander too much to the loquacious minority.

A Centre where two or more meetings can go on at the same time.

Hire at reasonable prices

Good sports facilities for young and old for hire at reasonable charges.

LETS meetings

Room for small discussion groups

Off shoot rooms for meetings etc

Small rooms for self help groups

Make the connection between youth and age allowing the spirit of each fuel and fire the other with life and knowledge, respect and laughter. Let life free now and always (x2)

We need community centre for everyone kids and adults.

Art to learn skills

Learn skills

Priority Community/Leisure facilities for young people (Especially teenagers)

WEA meetings during the day

IT/Education room with internet link

Adult education

Learning Centre/IT rooms with direct links to local colleges

Tourist info centre, highlighting main sites of interest in Halesworth and Blyth Valley area. Get more tourists into Halesworth

An IT centre for public use

Amateur investment & Financial interests

Inner Courtyard with playground for children where Mums can oversee whilst socialising over coffee, but also where live music could be played

Facilities should be able to attract commercial business for conferences etc (needs careful thought)

Halesworth and district flower club, 17 clubs in East Suffolk Group needs somewhere to hold whole day events, luncheons etc with a kitchen (surfaces, fridges, microwave and cooker?)

For the new Centre, I think we should have lots of sport things and quiet rooms for playing cards and board games, and a room for a disco.

Play/room for practical, educational activities, meeting etc.

Special Classes

Workshops

We think a skateboard area necessary for youngsters

A coffee area for ALL ages

Crèche where Mums could leave their children for max 2 hours to shop

Meeting hall for those disabled with adequate entry for wheelchairs etc (x2)

Pool table, Table tennis, some computer games, chess etc

Conference room

Darts

Lookout room

TV room

Reading room

Ping Pong

Pool room

Youth room

Useable roof

Boating and canoeing

Video arcade

Tennis Court

Playground

A finding out room

Social room

Sweet shop

Room for private talk

Car Park

Library

Store room

Internet room

Study room

Club room

Toilets

Toddler room

Football

Keep fit room

Bakery

Disco room

Changing room

Food room/Cafe

Dance room

Worry room

Shower

Sports Hall

Ten Pin Bowling

Crèche

Play room

Music room

Nature reserve

First aid

Quiet room

art room

small rooms for hire and practice

WEA would be glad of a meeting room seating up to 40 people

I think it's a very good idea and that it would be very useful

There should be an area outside as well

Promotions

A good idea!

I think we need a youth centre or somewhere where people of all ages can go and socialise.

We need more activities, like somewhere where live music can be played and craft workshops or something.

There is a huge need for this new community centre, with recreation and representation for local associations in the caring professions

Day Centre Would they have to pay to use the new facilities, and if so, how would they afford it?

Very supportive of the idea of a new centre for the community

This scheme will take many years to get started and in the meantime many opportunities to promote worthwhile projects will be lost

What an excellent idea! I would suggest an afternoon for cookery demonstration and class. Several friends thought this a good idea

I have seen the letter received by the W.I. and you have set out a lot of suggestions which we all agreed with!

A local shop or place where private hearing aids can be purchased at reasonable prices.

The whole concept is far too grandiose and is likely to give the town expectations beyond the possibility of being achieved.

I do not believe there is any hope of receiving the enormous grants that are being quoted.

Income from letting spaces would be available once established

OAP home

It may be worth liaising with Heritage Housing Association who are managing the 'Heart of Suffolk' project

Work space units lett on a square metre basis modelled on the Barley Mow work spaces in Chiswick would provide an affordable and vibrant environment for various fields of work

It should be big enough for most large entertainments to be held there.

No need for the facilities to be under one roof

The evening classes have largely failed because there were not enough people willing to pay the minor costs involved for teachers etc.

I fear that the plans for a large all embracing community centre is planning for the biggest white elephant imaginable.

There are a large number of small village halls, several church halls and other meeting rooms which are at present available at nominal rents for educational, artistic and small social use.......where is the hidden demand for their use?

The best location would be off the Thoroughfare

It would be desirable if the building were to be located within a redundant building preferably located close to the town centre

Use the former Denny printing works for a senior citizens club. Completely renovate the interior and fit out a dining area, kitchen, bar and social/entertainment area etc.

Possible site: The Maltings or Angel Link, Rainbow stores

I think you should build the Community Centre in the Town Park

The venue needs to be central to keep the Thoroughfare thriving

NO MORE OUT OF TOWN

Keep the interest central to help the traders survive! (x2)

This is an excellent idea. Site preferred, besides centre car park. Hope this becomes a reality

Old Maltings Leisure Centre or Angel Link/Rainbow Stores

Saxon Road site seems ideal - access for powered scooter. Day Centre room big enough for more people - good kitchen needed. Place to eat

All the proposed sites for the Centre are ideal as they are so central. With evening classes in Halesworth at an all time low, the centre would be a great alternative.

Prime and Cowles Garage appears to be the ideal place

If there is enough parking the Prime and Cowles site is ideal

Halesworth Museum?

Halesworth museum. Include publicity display area for museum activities, talks etc

Prime and Cowles Garage seems to be the perfect place.

Location is important to protect the present relative pleasant atmosphere of the town, i.e. care should be exercised and choose the optimum location

Saxon Way or Town Park are good locations

Site off Saxons Way is ideal, possibility of car parking there?

Of the various potential sites quoted, none is available at this stage, none has planning permission and if planning permission were to be granted, money would have to be found up front to buy it.

What better place than in the middle of the Towns car park?

There is no evidence that the rural population will rush to finance or use any facilities provided in Halesworth.

It should be built with wood, a bit like a giant Wendy House!

Environmentally friendly, working with Agenda 21 in mind. With recycling and conservation

Green issues Self build, environmentally friendly centre with solar panels etc etc could attract a lot of attention and be both an example and inspiration for others who wish to move in that direction. For the sake of our children's future we must consider this.

Re: Modern Architecture Fine new buildings have the potential to age badly and may even not survive long enough to mature. Therefore in design stage, care must be taken to build in materials and design details with long life and durability.

The new Centre must be:

Environmentally friendly

Energy efficient

Locally distinctive

(x2)

How many trees would be needed to build this wooden structure. Think 'Green'. Use Suffolk's natural materials

This is an opportunity to lead the way into 'ECO' architecture of the coming century. It is an exciting prospect!

Please, please, please

Make any new building fit in with the character of the old market town

We can build new, but I would like to see thought also given to undeveloped land to be used by all ages for both a quiet place to be and for an encouragement of studies and activities connected with the environment

A small base for an environmental organisation concerned with various issues

An assessment of Halesworth as it is now, value really what's good and maintain it.

Blyth Valley Church, possible venue for regular Sunday worship. Monthly youth Service (Jubil-'8') Nexus Disco. 'Family Matters' discussion groups.

Extend museum into old library building.

Railway Station: Demolish buildings and thoroughly modernise the platforms. What a dreadful impression they give to the town

Firm effort to improve appearance and tidiness of certain areas, viz:- Rectory Lane, Free Car Park opposite fish shop, opposite former post office and the frontage of that building, all roundabouts..bring in more colour, enforce tidying land to south of Angel Link, small garden area opposite Library.

More friendly seats (Thoroughfare)

Pedestrianisation has destroyed the character enough already though the actual relief road was necessary

The Thoroughfare: scheme with businesses for redecoration and improvement to frontage. Grants!

Get more traffic out (Thoroughfare)

Tidy and replant the wooden boxes in the Thoroughfare.

Remove unsightly heaps of soil etc (Town Centre)

Use the Thoroughfare more for perhaps an annual street party with music, food, dancing, more fun.

Roof for swimming pool

Large Community Hall for exhibition and dance

Lectures

Painting

Make swimming pool useable all year round

Space for craft workshops both clean and messy for young and old alike

A swimming pool (roofed!) for the Halesworth area (including the surrounding villages) would benefit all sections of the community

Swimming pool should be covered for year round use

Fully cover. Modernise and rebuild changing accommodation.

Enlarge to make catering facilities

Put in temporary flooring to allow use in winter as a fitness centre. Purchase equipment.

Employ full time staff

Why is £10,000 of tax payers money being spent on the Rifle Hall when a project like this is in the offing? Lets go for it!

Pull Rifle Hall down, relieve Chediston Street, "Slow - long vehicle" (x2)

It would be a shame to lose the Rifle Hall, maybe upgrade the Rifle Hall.

Get a Hall with good acoustics for bands/disco. Not like the Rifle hall.

Turn the Rifle Hall into Arts Centre/Theatre. Don't knock it down.

Get rid of the Rifle Hall, it is a mess for the community

Do not knock down the Rifle Hall if it is redundant because of the new hall, find another use for it please.

There is no doubt that the Rifle Hall is past it's sell by date and is not capable of providing the sort of facilities needed in Halesworth

Professional architectural advice should be obtained and competitive designs obtained to either part or wholly demolish the building

Attempts (should) be made to purchase additional land at the rear to enable extension of the building and a car park

The whole of the present site should be used to provide facilities for theatre and social events.

The majority of seating should be on a balcony to enable a variety of uses of the ground floor.

If this is to be our only public hall...improve frontage.

Rifle Hall must be preserved as the towns principal meeting place. If the disused land at the rear could be purchased, it could have the necessary further facilities added

I don't care, so long as the Centre helps reduce motor car use and the constant smell of exhaust pollution.

Ban Lorries from the Town (x2)

Essentially big vehicles need to be kept away from the Town Centre. Most of them seem to be bound for or coming from Norfolk. That does not mean knocking down the Rifle Hall, and building an inadequate bypass.

A bus shelter on Saxon Way is a real need.

Youth: more transport needed

A road sign near the new Library indicating that Rectory Street is not a through road.

.

For people in Blythburgh, the problem is that we are half way between Halesworth and Southwold, therefore events in a Halesworth Centre would have to be timed to Bus timetables or have community transport provided.

I think we need a better park for younger people (teenagers) with better shelters and facilities.

River, wild spaces, develop and create a natural haven of tranquillity.

To look after the River more and pay more attention to it.

Drop In Centre/Cafe for young people (Cybercafe)

We need somewhere for me to go after school

Why cannot the old school be used for the teenagers. We are all looking for someplace for the children to commute

More facilities for the young - musician workshops, craft workshops, cybercafe

I am 16 and have become fed up of standing in the cold at the Old Post Office. Many of my friends get the blame for trouble in Halesworth, but it is not them. We have a bad reputation in Halesworth because we hang around the old post office. The truth is, is that there is nowhere for us to go. My idea is that you should convert the old post office into a centre for 14-18 year olds

Model making

Youth needs more transport

Farming orientated activities, i.e. sport/craft workshops

After school and holiday time care/clubs for older children. 10-16 years

Young teenagers needs to be met

Cyber cafe good idea, especially for young teenagers

Lots and lots of poster space, to be well managed - out of date posters removed etc. A real information point

We need somewhere for young people to hang out - a shelter or a cafe

This town needs somewhere for 13-16 year olds that doesn't have a do-gooder image - a drop in centre or cafe

An informal meeting place/cafe for 13-16 year olds is urgently needed here

Somewhere to meet especially for the young to enjoy a game of snooker etc without necessarily a bar close at hand

Space to meet and 'hang out' cafe

Meeting place for LETS folk

Youth Centre

Youth Centre, Halesworth, Waveney - improved transport

Extension to the playing fields is necessary but greater use could be made of the present play areas and parks.

Young peoples centre

Young peoples Cafe

Perhaps the old Post Office could be turned into a place to meet up with your friends.

The tennis club could use another all weather court

Greater use of school facilities at less cost should be encouraged

Could the scouts, guides and similar bodies use better facilities and what about combining these under one roof?

Meeting facility where young people (13+) could get together and socialise

Sweet shop

Chocolate factory

Sweet shop

Book shop

I think there should be more things like ramps etc for skateboards, roller skating etc because lots of people skate.

Skateboard park

Designated skateboard area

Somewhere to go rollerblading with a ramp etc

Bowling Alley

Sports hall

Basket ball court on the floor

Get a half pipe for skateboards and roller booting for teenagers

There are loads of skateboarders and rollerbladers in this area. We are always getting thrown off property. We would really like it if there was a skatepark with ramps and grinds in an area where we could do it. Maybe on the unused warehouses on the industrial estate.

Warehouse space for year round skate and with cafe and meeting place for 12 year olds upwards. Get the youth of Halesworth and villages involved. It's been done elsewhere, why not here? (x3)

We should have better sports halls

Must have something for young people to do. Basketball, badminton etc but must have some supervision. 13-17 year olds. Not too organised

I think there should be a lot more activities for younger people, such as a youth centre or places to skateboard and rollerblade, and then maybe people wouldn't hang out on the post office wall

My interest is football and I like building model ships

My interests are playing football and karate

We need Space Monkeys!

I reckon you should stuff the ideas