A COMMUNITY venue has landed a pot of cash to make it more enticing to organisers of private events, which in turn will make the venue more economically viable.
The Hub, near Barnard Castle, is promoting itself as a top-notch venue for weddings and other functions, but officials say its ageing infrastructure is holding it back.
Automatic front doors often break down, half the driveway lights are out of action and the CCTV camera system needs updating.
Hub chief executive Rachel Tweddle said: “It is obvious the door needs replacing because we are becoming a wedding venue and we now have a licence. If you book a wedding here you want the doors to work – you don’t want it conking out. It is the same with the lights.”
Now, a successful bid for £10,800 from Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) has enabled the venue’s “Welcome Project” to go ahead.
Along with fixing the existing features, plans are also to introduce new landscaping to The Hub’s entrance which will include herb boxes, and a CCTV system to improve safety and security.
Ms Tweddle said the improvements will help the commercial side of the venue can prosper and ensure a sustainable future for the centre.
She added: “Thank you to TAP. With the Welcome Project it is a unique thing to ask funding for. We are grateful and it will ensure this place is top-notch.”