On Friday 21st March, the ribbon was cut on Barrowden's New Community Hub, marking the end of a decade long struggle by local people. 

Barrowden's old village hall was 98-years-old and in dire need of repair or replacement. Supported by local MP Alicia Kearns, the Barrowden Village Hall Development Group secured £300,000 of funding from the government's Community Ownership Fund. 

The hall's new spacious interior has room for up to 125 people (Photo: Barrowden Village Hall Community Group)

Following this, the group went on to secure a £250,000 National Lottery Grant, as well as receive further grants from charitable trusts and donations, including significant support from the community. 

The new Community Hub has a main hall with capacity for 125 people, which will become the home of numerous local groups, including dementia support meetings and mother and baby classes. 

A time capsule was buried under the Village Hall in September 2024 (Photo: Alicia Kearns)

At the opening, MP Alicia Kearns said: "This project is what community is all about, creating an incredible space for everyone to come together and enjoy for years to come. 

"It's by no means been an easy journey to secure the funding, after the pandemic forced the original plans back to the drawing board, so it was really wonderful to come together and open what is an amazing legacy to the hard work and determination of the people of Barrowden."