National Village Hall Surveys 1988, 1998 and 2008

The 1988 Survey aimed to gain a picture of the nature of provision of village halls in England.  Overall the Survey informed and influenced a wide range of initiatives including the ‘Red Tape’ initiatives of the Cabinet Office and the Department of Trade and Industry.   It was the first research of its kind and led to the 1998 survey which aimed to monitor changes that had occurred in the management, administration and use of village halls during the preceding 10 year.  The results of the 1998 Survey provided a snapshot of 3,348 village halls and similar community buildings in rural England.  They recorded how rural community buildings are managed, used and funded; the type of buildings, their age and accommodation.  The survey also collected data about the problems and opportunities affecting village halls at that time.

Preparation work is being carried out for the National Village Hall Survey 2008.  It will support ACRE’s work in influencing the development of legislation and making a case for change wherever necessary.

Hard copies are available of both the 1988 and 1998 Surveys publication order form or in PDF format below -

Village Halls Survey 1988

Village Halls Survey 1998

The Role of the Community Building – ACRE 2003

This unique piece of research was a pilot exploration of the role of the community building within the community it serves, relating its functions and usage to the local context.  The report highlights some of the factors that contribute to that role, and proposes a number of approaches which would contribute to building an evidence base on community activity. view the Role of the Community Building

Defra Rural Communities Buildings research 2007

Defra contracted Rural Partnerships to research funding for rural community buildings in partnership with rural stakeholders including 15 Rural Community Councils. The research focuses on issues around funding applications, looking at barriers to funding and success factors. It also examined the tangible and intangible benefits the facilities bring to local communities. The report was published in January 2007. view here

The Impact of the Investment in Village Halls - 2007

This survey was carried out by village hall advisers in the SWAN network.  Its purpose was to analyse the impact on village halls and the communities using them, arising from various levels of investment for capital improvement projects.  It compares hall use prior to investment, with changes following development. view here