Help us transform South Brent Old School Community Centre into a space for everyone for the next 150 years
A space for everyone
150 years in our community
Since 1876 The Old School Centre has stood at the heart of South Brent.
Generations came here to study, and since 2000 it’s been a community centre that’s home to local groups and vital services.
Time for renewal
Time has taken its toll: the roof leaks, some rooms are unheated, the building’s hard to navigate, the entrance is awkward and we need space for all those who want to use the centre.
It’s time to upgrade: preserving history and empowering community.
Bold plans, big impact
With this project, we’re securing the building for the next 150 years. But our vision is not just a restoration: it’s a transformation.
Our vision
The Old School Centre will be a modern community space, with:
- A main hall for gatherings, performances and celebrations
- Creative workshop areas for young people and local makers
- Exhibition space and South Brent Archive, preserving the stories of our region
- A community cafe area and social hub for all
Our plans include:
- A new entrance area linking Art House and the community centre for the first time
- Better public spaces with improved accessibility and circulation space
- New spaces formed within the existing roof and carefully designed extensions
- New and improved community facilities for everyone
You can see the plans in more detail by clicking here.
The impact for the community
By making The Old School Centre into a vibrant, inclusive space we expect to host over 200 events and welcome 10,000 visitors, reviving skills, pride, and connection.
- Making everything we already do fit for the future
- Making better provision for young people
- Making more space for Adult Education, such as digital skills
- Expanding Art House for additional courses to fund bursaries
- Larger communal gathering space and an improved kitchen
- Lighter, larger exhibition space
- Potential accommodation for NHS/local government services
- Electric vehicle charging on site, with a possible pool car
- Reduction in fossil fuel use and renewable electricity generation – more than the centre needs.
- Increased footfall benefitting local businesses.
Long-term sustainability
More than saving a building, we’ll make a usable community space for generations to come.
The full refurbishment and insertion of the first floor will allow us to dramatically improve the insulation.
We plan to fit solar panels facing two directions with battery storage to maximise the electricity we can generate ourselves. Heating will be by air source heat pumps.
With these measures, we aim to be carbon-neutral.
Working together to transform the Old School
This is not just a project for The Old School.
These major plans to transform the centre are being drawn up in conjunction with :
- Art House
- Sustainable South Brent
- South Brent and District Caring
- South Brent Community Library
- South Brent Storytellers and Archive
- South Brent Old School Community Centre
We’re also being supported by South Brent Community Energy Society.
How much will it cost?
Our goal is to raise £2.2 million.
Our plan is to fund and complete the upgrade in six phases.
| Phase 1 | £550,000 | Lower ceilings above Beacon Room, Moor Room and Print Studio. Remove suspended ceiling in Main Hall and refurbish vaulted ceiling. Replace existing roof, install solar panels, Velux windows and insulation. |
| Phase 2 | £70,000 | Plymouth Road entrance improvements to provide accessibility for all. |
| Phase 3 | £350,000 | 3.1: Install gallery in Hall, replacement of certain windows. Install first floor structure in Foyer and Yellow Studio 3.2: New stairs and lift installed in foyer area. Part fitting out of first floor at northern end. |
| Phase 4 | £945,000 | Extension on eastern side to provide new entrances, community café and exhibition space, replacement of clay barn with open sided structure. Install stairs and lift for access to Art House first floor. |
| Phase 5 | £90,000 | Fitting out of remainder of first floor above Art House. |
| Phase 6 | £90,000 | Remaining external improvements – covered bike parking, roof over outdoor veranda seating, revised parking area. |
We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us raise £530,000 through events, donations, and grants so far. Thanks to them, essential works are within reach.
But to unlock the full benefits, we need one final push. We’ve appointed a professional fund-raiser with a proven track record to hep us attract external funding and grants.
We still need your help to raise the rest.
How you can help
We’d love you to help us transform The Old School Centre and build a legacy for the next 150 years.
- Join our mailing list
- Make a donation today
- Volunteer or spread the word
- Leave a legacy gift
You can make a donation on-line, in person at the centre, send a cheque payable to “SBOSCC Ltd” to our postal address, or through your bank to South Brent Old School Community Centre Ltd, Sort code: 30-94-58, Account No: 27720268.
If you are an eligible UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation by filling in a Gift Aid form and sending it to us with your donation.
Whether you can give £10 or £100,000, your gift will help reopen doors, revive culture, and ensure The Old School Centre serves generations to come.
Your support could fund:
- Roof and structural restoration
- Accessibility upgrades to make the centre open to all
- Insulation and air-source heat pumps to make the centre warm
- Solar panels and batteries to help make us carbon neutral
- Heritage displays and community spaces
- An improved kitchen and servery for events and a community cafe area
Why now?
We believe that this is the right time to make this transformation of the old school.
| Urgency The roof and heating are at breaking point. Without action, the building risks closure. |
| Appetite Consultation with over 400 individuals and 13 organisations shows a strong demand for more, better spaces. |
| Opportunity This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Old School can either decline, or be reborn as the resilient, inclusive centre South Brent deserves. |
