Sawbridgeworth’s Hailey Centre to be refurbished as town councillors suggest attracting younger age group

A refurbishment is planned for a centre for the over-55s in Sawbridgeworth – but town councillors are suggesting a change of image to give it a new lease of life.

In a report to Monday’s (Nov 25) meeting of the full town council, Cllr Steve Smith revealed The Hailey Centre had made a loss for some time and it was in need of an upgrade.

He told colleagues that £250,000 was needed for the refurb of the centre at Sayesbury Manor in Bell Street and they were £80,000 short.

Staff and volunteers were doing a great job and the centre was well used, with 18 activities running across the week.

Cllr Smith said additions to the menu were planned to bring in more revenue and reasons needed to be found to hire the hall out.

Although the centre is aimed at the under-55s, it was felt the age profile of guests was older and its future lay in appealing to a younger age group.

Cllr Dawn Newell said: “The name should be changed to make it a little more modern – maybe call it The Hailey Club rather than centre, which sounds like day centre.”

Some councillors felt nothing should be changed until the refurbishment was carried out, which Cllr Smith said could take up to a year.