A village near Bicester could get a plush new facility after an ongoing struggle to secure funding for a scheme.

The submitted proposals for a new village hall in Fritwell, near Bicester, would mean the existing building would be demolished and a new single storey building and car parking area constructed.

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The proposed building has been slightly rotated when compared to the existing building to provide an improved layout for access, parking and landscaping.

The new building would run almost parallel with Fewcott Road, with the intention to make the vicinity more accessible, visible and inviting.

In 2018, surveyors undertook a condition report on the existing hall.

The report highlighted a number of key issues with the building and surrounding area, including the dated flat roof sections, splits and holes in rainwater goods, some sections of timber in need of renewal and a comprehensive overhaul of the cladding.

In addition, it was found that ‘carbonation’ of the main walls had started and regular monitoring was recommended, as well as the need to refurbish or renew doors, frames and sills.

Recognising the declining condition of the building, various committees over the years had looked at the possibility of having a new hall built either on the existing site or on alternative sites across the village.

However, no plans were ever seen through due to the cost and complexity of the project.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1