Community works on plans to re-open Anstice Memorial Hall

A range of different organisations have come together with the aim of converting the historic Anstice Memorial Hall in Madeley into a valuable community hub.

The ultimate aim is for it to become a community-focussed building providing a centre for a whole range of activities, ensuring Madeley sustains its strong community ethos.

Plans are still at an early stage and ways of funding the redevelopment are still being explored but there is a real impetus in Madeley to ensure the building is returned to the community.

A business plan is being drawn up by the Anstice Community Team, which represents the organisations involved which include Madeley Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.

The hall was built in 1868-1869 as a memorial to John Anstice, following his death in 1867. He was proprietor and manager of the Madeley Wood Company and was much respected as an employer, sparing no expense to improve the safety of his works and keeping his men employed during lean times.

His death was much lamented by people in Madeley and his funeral was attended by between 4-5,000 people. All local works closed for the day as did schools and shops in Madeley and Ironbridge. Blinds were also drawn in many local houses.

The Anstice Community Team’s draft business plan says: “The Anstice deserves respect and the community hold it dear. Sentiment has turned to action and a huge swell of support to the fight to retain the Anstice for the community to which it was gifted.”

Plans include re-opening the Hall as a community venue including licensed bar, cafe, meeting and event spaces and creating a programme of activities focussing on income generation, skills training, work experience and employment opportunities.

Local people are invited to contribute their ideas at a drop in session outside the Anstice on Saturday 12 April and Tuesday 15 April between 10am & 12 noon.

The hall is currently in the hands of a liquidator.