About Village Community Hubs
Since 2015, we've been champions of rural community infrastructure — working tirelessly to preserve, revitalise, and strengthen the social fabric that binds villages together across England.
Our Story
What started as a small initiative in 2015 has grown into a movement. Village Community Hubs emerged from a simple observation: rural communities were losing their heartbeats — the local halls, centres, and gathering spaces that had anchored village life for generations.
We saw too many village halls standing empty, community centres struggling with maintenance costs, and parish councils grappling with declining attendance. Something had to change.
Our founders (themselves from rural backgrounds) recognised that these weren't just buildings — they were the cornerstone of community resilience. Every village hall that closed meant fewer opportunities for residents to connect, organise, and thrive together.
Today, we've supported over 247 community spaces across rural England. From the Cotswolds to the Yorkshire Dales, from coastal Norfolk to the Lake District — we've helped communities transform their local infrastructure into vibrant hubs of activity.
But numbers only tell part of the story. The real impact lies in the hundreds of coffee mornings that happen weekly, the drama groups rehearsing for their annual productions, the toddler groups providing lifelines for new parents, and the parish meetings where local democracy comes alive.
Impact by the Numbers
Meet Our Team
Behind every successful community hub project is our dedicated team of rural development specialists, community engagement experts, and passionate advocates for village life.
Sarah Mitchell
Community Development Director
Sarah brings 15 years of experience in rural regeneration. She's worked with over 80 village communities, helping them unlock funding and transform their local spaces.
James Thornbury
Heritage & Buildings Specialist
A qualified architect with a passion for preserving rural heritage, James ensures that every renovation respects historical character while meeting modern needs.
Emma Rodriguez
Community Engagement Lead
Emma specialises in bringing communities together. Her workshops and consultation sessions have helped dozens of villages discover their collective vision.
Our team also includes project coordinators, funding specialists, and volunteer coordinators — each bringing unique skills to support rural communities. What unites us? A shared belief that strong communities start with accessible, welcoming spaces.
Our Values
Community Ownership
We believe communities know what they need better than anyone else. Our role isn't to impose solutions — it's to listen, facilitate, and support local vision.
Inclusive Access
Every village hall should welcome everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. We champion accessibility improvements and programming that serves diverse needs.
Heritage Respect
Rural buildings tell stories. Whether it's a Victorian village hall or a converted barn, we ensure renovations honour historical character while embracing contemporary functionality.
Sustainable Futures
Community spaces must be financially viable and environmentally responsible. We prioritise energy efficiency, local sourcing, and revenue models that ensure long-term sustainability.
Our Partners
Strong partnerships amplify our impact. We work closely with local authorities, heritage organisations, funding bodies, and community groups to create lasting change.
Funding Partners
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Heritage Lottery Fund
- Rural Community Energy Fund
- Parish and Town Council grants
- Local Community Foundations
Professional Networks
- Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)
- Community Council network
- Village Halls Advisory Service
- Historic England
- Campaign to Protect Rural England
Local Authorities
We maintain active partnerships with county councils, district councils, and parish councils across rural England. These relationships help us understand local priorities and navigate planning processes effectively.
Community Groups
From Women's Institutes to Scout groups, from local history societies to environmental action groups — we support the organisations that make village life vibrant and meaningful.
"Village Community Hubs didn't just help us renovate our hall — they helped us rediscover our community spirit. The support we received was transformational."
— Margaret Hartwell, Chair of Swinbrook Village Hall Committee
Looking Forward
Rural communities face unprecedented challenges: housing pressures, transport limitations, declining services, and demographic changes. But we've also witnessed extraordinary resilience, creativity, and determination.
Village halls and community centres aren't relics of the past — they're essential infrastructure for rural futures. They provide spaces for remote working, digital inclusion training, local enterprise, and intergenerational connection.
Our vision extends beyond building preservation. We're fostering a movement where every rural community has access to vibrant, sustainable, community-owned spaces that support local priorities and aspirations.
Climate change, economic uncertainty, and social isolation demand collective responses. Community hubs provide the foundation for that collaboration — spaces where neighbours become partners in shaping their shared future.
Ready to Transform Your Community Space?
Whether you're planning a major renovation, seeking funding guidance, or exploring new programming ideas — we're here to support your journey.
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