Phase 3 – Wall Renovation and Disabled access to The Onward Hall, Forest of Dean Brass Band

This is a project to refurbish the North and West elevations of The Onward Hall.

The Onward Hall is one of the last remaining ‘Tin Huts’ in the Forest of Dean. Erected in Yorkley in 1910, it has stood the test of time for a timber framed building but is suffering from degradation of the outer corrugated tin, and a lack of insulation within, and currently has no disabled access. This building is an important historical legacy for the district, as a community hall and as an educational asset for music locally, but it requires work to preserve the character of the building (corrugated iron), whilst creating a sustainable, energy efficient, low carbon, fully accessible building.This project is needed to ensure a sustainable future for this valuable heritage asset and essential local centre for music and recreation.

The Onward Hall is an important historical building and has been used in the past as a space affording theatrical, musical and performance space for the wider community, especially for the provision of music education, rehearsal space, private functions, concerts, art installations, exhibition space, local heritage programmes, community library exchange, craft fairs, craft sessions, and parish meetings. However, owing to the current condition of the building many of these uses have been curtailed. Following the project the hall will be completely structurally sound, weatherproof and more energy efficient. This means that the committee and trustees would be able with confidence to continue to allow The Onward Hall to be used by all in the community.

Environmental considerations: This current phase involves the replacement of the degraded outer skin of the building which is currently no longer completely windproof or waterproof. The new skin, together with insulation will significantly reduce heating costs.

Hard to reach considerations: This phase of the project includes improvements to the physical environment by the provision of two additional fully accessible entrance/exit doorways and ramps to improve access for any members of the public with mobility issues.