Clements Hall is an example of new ways in which a local community can take charge of and use a building to create its own means of recreation, education, training and support services.
Central and local government money has been spent on restoring the derelict shell of a once-thriving church hall, and making it into a superbly furnished and equipped building. It doesn’t just offer rooms of different sizes for all kinds of activities, but aims to give local people the opportunity to take charge of the cultural agenda in their own area. The South Bank Community Cinema based at the Hall is an example of just such an initiative.
Clements Hall is operated by a small charity, St Clements Hall Preservation Trust, which rents the hall from the City of York Council but receives no revenue funding: its only income comes from lettings and leases, and in the future from any grants it may be able to secure for specific projects, although it will also help local groups look for project funding to run their own activities in the Hall. For the building to be successful and to thrive, the support and engagement of the local community is vital.