Council Helps Create Community Hub
Ogmore By Sea Village Hall is now a thriving hub of the community following a joint project between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Ogmore By Sea Village Hall Association.
The £600,000 regeneration scheme has seen the former toilet block on open land adjacent to Slon Lane redeveloped into a facility available for a wide variety of uses.
That land was transferred from Council ownership to help deliver the project, which was financed through a range of sources.
These included funds raised by the villagers, Grants from The Big Lottery, The Moondance Foundation, The Ford Motor Company and St Brides Major Community Council, a Welsh Government grant, EU ERDF funding (prior to Brexit), Section 106 contributions secured by the Council from nearby housing developments and input from various local sponsors.
The hall offers a large space for a variety of regular classes and private bookings. These have included holistic and active classes as well as birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, receptions, christening parties, wakes, retreats, workshops and community events.
It sits within a landscaped green open space featuring a play area, is made from modern materials and boasts large roof to ceiling windows with spectacular sea views, particularly from the external Terrace Area.
The building also includes a café operated by the Welsh Coffee Company.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m delighted that this long-awaited project has finally come to fruition. Residents have been asking for a village hall for some time and now that dream has become a reality. That demonstrates what can be achieved when a community and the Council works together to drive change.
“The hall itself offers fantastic facilities for events and classes or just a quiet space to enjoy some incredible scenery along the Heritage Coast.
“I know many local people have worked extremely hard to ensure this project became a reality and for that they deserve immense credit.”
The Trustees of the Ogmore By Sea Village Hall Association, said: "We are delighted that the efforts of many of our residents over the last 40 years have come to fruition and we have been able to deliver a fantastic venue that is used every day and provides a facility for everyone in our community."