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A new, multi-functional community building could provide a range of community services to residents as part of the proposed redevelopment of All Saints Village Hall in Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

Facilities could include a new library, a new museum, learning and training rooms, community rooms for hire, activities for young people and the provision of activities for older people. The centre could also become the focus for local voluntary activities.

A presentation on the proposed redevelopment was given to local councillors from the town, borough and county councils on Monday (11 June). Members of the Local Strategic Partnership were also in attendance. The presentation was given by a range of partners involved in the project, including Hertfordshire County Council, Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertsmere Community Partnership.

All partners are actively working together to resolve outstanding funding issues before the project can be progressed. The project also needs to be flexible enough to take account of future national service requirements, particularly in relation to youth work. Once the final details of the project are agreed and all the funding is secured, a public consultation exercise will be carried out as part of the submission of a planning application. Discussions will also take place with the existing users of the site on alternative location options. It is anticipated that the consultation will start this summer and it is hoped that work will begin on site in Spring 2008.

Councillor Morris Bright, Community Safety and Property Portfolio Holder, said: "This is a very exciting time for Borehamwood. A redevelopment of the village hall has been discussed and planned for the past few years and I believe that we are now making good progress in turning this dream into a reality. It's going to take a supreme effort to make this work but I believe that there is the will for this project to succeed."