Construction of new Melton community hall enters final stage
Work is progressing well on the building of a new community hall in Melton Mowbray and is expected to be finished by January.
The structure is going up adjacent to St John the Baptist Catholic Church, on Thorpe End, and will host events for the Catholic church and activities for the wider community in the town.
Construction work was started by RJH back in February and the team has been working within the constraints of a Grade II listed church building, where every detail must respect the historic character of the original fabric.
The structural frame and roof of the building are now complete, giving visitors a real sense of the final scale and presence of the building.
One of the most prominent achievements to date is the roofing finish and the installation of bespoke cast stone features, including intricately detailed stone lintels and a featured cross at the apex, echoing the craftsmanship of the church’s Victorian heritage.
Sustainability has been a major focus throughout construction with the roof now fitted with a solar panel array, which will offset a significant proportion of the centre’s future energy demand.
The exterior stonework and lime mortars have all been carefully matched to existing finishes, to blend seamlessly with the historic structure while delivering modern environmental performance.
A spokesperson for RJH said: “Integrating new building practices into a listed environment has been a notable challenge, but the team has managed to incorporate discreet modern technologies.
“The entire ground floor features a wet underfloor heating system – now installed and ready for the floor finishes – which will be heated by an air-source heat pump.”
Contemporary, yet traditionally, styled rainwater goods have now been fixed, featuring cast iron effect guttering and downpipes, complementing the sandstone details and ensuring robust, discreet drainage all around the new extension. Stone cills, plinths, and coping details are visibly in place, setting off the elevations.
Inside, plaster and joinery teams are at work preparing spaces for final finishes, while the next stages include the fitting of custom-made windows and heritage-style external doors.
Externally, the building is beginning to take shape, with the outline of the new retaining wall and accessibility ramp now set out.
The new ramp and stepped terrace will ensure that all visitors, whatever their mobility needs, can join in community events and activities when the centre opens its doors.
The spokesperson added: “Much remains on the to-do list: window installation, door hanging, second-fix plumbing and electrics, and the last rounds of decorating.
“With the finish line in sight, the team remains committed to delivering a space that will serve as a warm, inclusive, and sustainable asset for the parish and the wider community for generations to come.
“We aim for the construction phase of the project to be complete by January 2026.”
A spokesperson for St John the Baptist Church said: “We have already had enquiries from local groups wanting to be booked in for an event in the new hall.”
“As soon as a date of completion is available, we will be able to confirm our first event in the hall.”
“Anyone wanting to keep updated on events at the hall and church should follow the Friends of St. John’s Church on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/fosjmm”