AN arts and events centre has officially been recognised as an “Asset of Community Value” – partially protecting its future and giving a community group the chance to purchase it if it is placed on the market. 

Mill Hall, in Rayleigh, has been granted the status following a campaign by the Mill Hall Community Group. 

The site has been at the centre of controversy, as Rochford Council debates whether the centre should be demolished and rebuilt, or if the current building should be refurbished. 

A building being granted the status an “Asset of Community Value” means it is believed to be of importance to the communities’ social well-being. 

It also means if the asset comes up for the sale, the community group will be given the chance to make a bid to buy it, subject to it its continued use for community benefit. 

The nomination was made by the Save Mill Hall group, which highlighted the range of leisure, recreational, and cultural activities that took place at the Mill Arts and Events Centre when it was open.

John Payton, chairman of the Save Mill Hall campaign group, said: “The Save Mill Hall campaign is pleased that Rochford Council has accepted our nomination of Mill Hall as an Asset of Community Value.

“As the first ever listed asset on the district’s asset register, it makes a significant moment in the Mill’s history.

“We hope that this acknowledgement will refocus the council’s plans to not demolish the hall.

“Our campaign will now press ahead with lobbying the council to retrofit and reopen Mill Hall.

“The residents sent a message in this campaign and want Mill Hall saved; improved and re-opened.”

“Asset of Community Value” status doesn’t necessarily protect the site, but it does give the community group more say in its future.

The nomination lasts five years, before it then must be nominated and reconsidered again.

Leader of Rochford Council, councillor Simon Wootton, insisted the council understands how important events at Mill Hall are.

He said: “We fully understand how important the range of events and activities that were previously held at Mill Hall are to local people.

“That is why, as part of the Council’s Asset Delivery Programme, we are totally committed to ensuring this site will continue to provide a community facility.”