Contractor sought for £960,000 village hall near Yeovil

Barwick and Stoford Parish Council secured planning permission in February 2023 to deliver a brand new village hall and football changing facility at the Recreation Ground on Whitcross, in the centre of the parish.

The parish council has put out a tender for the contract to deliver the project, which is expected to cost up to £960,000 (including VAT).

The successful bidder will be appointed in the late-autumn, with construction expected to begin by the spring of 2027.

The villages lie south of Yeovil, being the closest settlements to Yeovil Junction railway station and a short distance from Yeovil Rugby Football Club and the Yeovil Showground on Two Tower Lane.

Artist's impression of new Barwick and Stoford Village Hall at the Recreation Ground on Whitcross (Image: PWCR)

The new village hall will be constructed at the eastern end of the playing fields, with a new access being created off Whitcross with parking for 32 vehicles (including three disabled spaces).

The existing sports pavilion, play area and pitch would remain untouched, and there will be not changes to the public right of way which crosses the recreation ground between Whitcross and Court Lane.

A spokesperson for Proctor Watts Cole Rutter (representing the parish council) said: "The principle of a new hall on this site has been found acceptable.

"The village has been without a hall since 2017 and the Parish Council is very keen to progress this current scheme, so the village once again has a community facility that will provide a centre for activity in the village in a more accessible location."

The new village hall will be within easy reach of a planned development of 800 homes on the Keyford site, which lies west of the A37 Dorchester Road on the parish boundary.

Details of the project tender were published on a central government tendering website, with potential contractors having until October 9 to finalise their submissions.

A spokesperson said: "The hall is intended as a flexible, multi-use facility supporting community groups, the parish council, well-being activities, small events, family programmes, and general local services.

"There will be additional provision of changing room facilities for teams and officials for the adjacent football pitch."

The parish council has indicated that it had a preference for suppliers based within 50 miles of the village.

The contract will be awarded before Christmas, with construction expected to be completed by December 2028 at the very latest.