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15th December 2012
The Institute, New Road Laxey, (Charity No 1104) www.theinstitute.im has been up and running for over a year now after a four year restoration and refurbishment programme.
The Directors and management committee are now seeking planning permission in order to create disabled access and toilets and a lift so that all members of society can enjoy the institutes facilities.
We anticipate the estimated total cost of the project to be around £165,000. and we are pleased to announce that a benefactor has come forward, and set aside £100,000 to be made available following the granting of planning permission. The committee have a series of fundraising events planned and anticipate raising over £5000 in the next 6 months, and further funding is being sought from major funding bodies.
The Laxey Working Men's Institute was built in 1876 by members of the mining community, and in the newspapers of the day, its purpose was described as to “educate the miners and free their minds from the slavery of ignorance”. It became a registered Manx Charity No. 741.
In 2002 its condition had deteriorated to such an extent that it had to be closed and in the following few years, there were concerns that the building was becoming unsafe and would have to be demolished. However, in 2007 a group of local volunteers embarked on a restoration project, which would eventually see the building brought back to life in 2011, serving the community as a village hall and community arts centre.
The restoration project cost approximately £240,000 and was sufficient to get the building back into use. An Arts Council grant provided the equipment to develop its use as a performance space.
In 2007, when the volunteers took the first steps the project was split into 4 phases. Each phase allowed an element to be completed within realistic fund raising targets. It allowed individuals and groups to see their donation make an immediate difference.
Phase 1 - new roof, render, make the building watertight and arrest the decline. Phase 2 - windows, floors, electrics, heating, toilets. Phase 3 – furniture, floor coverings, decoration, sound and lighting equipment. By May 2011 the first 3 phases had been completed and the building was open and operational.
Phase 4 – remove 1970’s single storey flat roof extension and provide better parking, including disabled parking, disabled, lift and toilets.
The final phase, whilst in the original plans (planning permission which has now expired for a two storey extension had been granted), was put to one side with the trustees acknowledging that it would require another major fund raising effort to achieve. With the building layout and access reinstated, pretty much in line with its original construction (excepting some alterations to meet current fire regulations); no consideration was given in the original layout to disabled access or toilets. It is acknowledged that there are problems accessing the building from the main road entrance into the hall because of the steps. Although a ramp was considered, the width of the pavement prevented this. Wheelchair access is possible to the lower room. There are no disabled toilets and for those with limited or restricted mobility the stairs, whilst meeting the fire regulations, are problematic.
A Local Benefactor.
In June 2012 a benefactor offered funds to include ;
Purchase of land (now completed) at the side and rear of the Institute allowing some additional parking to be created thereby allowing disabled persons to comfortably access the building. (This would also enable all building materials and plant to be kept off the road during the construction.)
Appointment of an architect and associated costs to produce revised initial plans in order to obtain further estimates, complete surveys and provide engineering drawings and final plans for submitting to the Planning Department.
The Directors have approached over 3 local building contractors for estimates for the completed project, and the Government conservation office are supportive of our proposal.
The realisation of phase 4 of the project will allow us to offer improved facilities for the wider community particularly the elderly and the disabled.
We look forward to your consideration of our application.
Yours Sincerely,
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