Top architects challenged to ‘wow’ Thirsk villagers

The two small villages of Sessay and Hutton Sessay, near Thirsk, are in need of a new community centre and sports pavilion and they are attempting to attract some of the world’s leading architects to design it. The project has received the first grant ever awarded to a community group to stage a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) design competition.

The winning proposal will replace the existing outdated and poorly-built village hall, with a new £1m-plus modern building which those behind the project hope will have the “wow” factor.

They also want to provide a second cricket pitch, multi-use games area for tennis and other sports, outdoor adventure play equipment, exercise equipment and allotment gardens.

“We want the scheme to deliver the highest standards in design, functionality and construction and hope to provide a new community building that takes into account the special features of the parish.

“We recognise and respect the sense of local history and tradition that exists here, yet strive to provide a modern and sympathetically-sited new building that is light, bright and airy,” said Sessay and Hutton Sessay Parish Council chairman, John MacPherson.

The £32,400 grant, awarded under the Government Homes and Communities Agency’s Community-led Project Support Programme, will allow those behind the project to seek applications for the RIBA design competition for quality designs from architects across the country and world. There will be a number of experts on the judging and advisory panel including designer and writer Wayne Hemingway.

“I think it is great that a small village community such as Sessay is placing the desire for great design at the heart of the thinking about the new community building and I look forward to seeing the designs coming through and how they complement this fantastic setting,” Mr Hemingway said.

Organisers say they will whittle applicants down and expect the winning team will be appointed in January. It is anticipated a planning application would then be put together and submitted next spring.

Exact costs will not be known until the designs are drawn-up but those behind the scheme hope the quality and credibility of the designs created will help them to attract financial backing for the project.

Almost 20 groups use the current village hall including the Women’s Institute, Sessay CE Primary School, local indoor and outdoor bowls clubs, Sessay First Responders and others. Sessay Cricket Club has also outgrown its existing pavilion and desperately needs improved facilities.

The project is being led by the parish council, working in partnership with the Village Hall and Playing Fields Association.

“We hope this initiative will rejuvenate our community and provide long lasting benefits.

“We expect to attract a wide range of new uses and activities to our community facilities, and visitors from the local area and beyond. We would like to provide a venue for weddings and other functions,” said Guy Musgrave, the chairman of the Village Hall Association.