Prawn Design Inc copyright 2011 - All photos copyright - A Strickland, S Kilroe, I Gutridge, J Warfield

    NEW PORTHALLOW VILLAGE HALL

The old hall, originally the Porthallow Pilchard Curing Company, was bought for the village in 1923. Over the years the building was added to and improved but by 2000 clearly major renovation or a new building was needed. A survey of all residents in 2002 showed there was strong support for a modern building with proper facilities so it was decided to make every effort to raise enough money for a new building. Over the next few years the Association, as well as becoming a charity, raised sufficient money from all its activities to be able to apply for additional money from grants.  A Building Steering Committee was established and after much effort, especially by Ian Gutridge in obtaining grants, the P.V.A. raised enough money for a new building.

The old building was demolished by a working party of volunteers towards the end of 2010 and by September 2011 the new building was completed.

The timber clad hall is as eco- friendly as possible, being constructed of highly insulated panels and with an under- floor heating system using ground- source heat from the beach via a 100 metre borehole. It consists of one large area for a variety of functions with a capacity up to 100 people, a fully- fitted kitchen, unisex toilet and storage facilities. The main front of the building has triple- glazed doors that can be folded away to extend the internal space onto a balustraded stone terrace with views across the beach and Falmouth Bay. The building is fully access- friendly and the simplicity of design makes a positive and attractive contribution to the beach environment and adjoining buildings.                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                              Photos copyright: S Kilroe & I Gutridge