Groups needed to fill community hall

The hall, which seats 60, was developed by the trust in partnership with Howarth Homes, which has built eight flats above.

The building used to be a cinema before it was transformed into a social club. It was put up for sale by Hillingdon Council in the late 90s.

The Kate Fassnidge Trust, a charity set up in memory of the wealthy landowner who left property to the borough, snapped it up, hoping to make the most of the facilities.

But they discovered it was riddled with asbestos and uninhabitable.

Use of the site was also restricted by a covenant.

Howarth Homes' involvement meant they funded the demolition and redevelopment, which otherwise would have cost the trust around £400,000.

The result is a new building, kitted out with dining faciltiies and including equipment such as a hearing loop and hi-tech lighting system.

Andrew Retter, deputy director of the trust, said: "After 13 years of protracted negotiations we now have a building that the whole community can enjoy. If you come along to the building you will see how good it looks in the high street. It's now a modern hall and no longer a historic run down building.

"The trustees would like the Hall to be used by the community and therefore welcome individuals, community or voluntary groups to fully use it."

He also praised the one and two bedroom flats above, which sold for between £169,000 to £198,000, saying they fit in "fantastically" with the street scene.

If you are interested in using the hall email enquiries@frazinejohnson.co.uk by July 25 with information about the activity you wish to carry out, frequency and length of time and whether it is a day or evening slot you require.

It is expected to open in September at the latest but it could be as early as next month.