Hall Hire

The Harpenden Trust has six rooms for hire, ranging in size from 28 sq m up to 118 sq m, split across two locations in Southdown. The halls are available for groups, clubs and societies to meet regularly or for one-off events such as children's parties, charity fund raisers, lectures and much more. There is also availability for school holiday clubs and classes.

For a summary of our hall hire terms and conditions and the last CORONAVIRUS Update see the bottom of this page or click here for the COVID Update.  

For a list of activities which are taking place at the Harpenden Trust community halls at 90 Southdown Road - the Harpenden Trust Centre - and 130a Southdown Road - the Harpenden Trust Halls - follow this link. For information regarding timings, fees and availability please use the contact details shown. For a printable version please follow the link here.

Harpenden Trust Centre @ No. 90 Southdown Road, AL5 1PS 

No. 90 Southdown Road is fully accessible for the disabled and less mobile, next to the bus stop and some on-street parking. Parking at the Co-operative supermarket is available for Co-op customers for up to three hours. 

All hires include use of the kitchen which is fully fitted with cooker, microwave, fridge and constant boiling water. No crockery or utensils are included. Wifi is available for public use and we also have a loop system for those with hearing aids. 

Separate male and female toilet facilities are provided, plus a disabled access toilet which includes baby change facilities. 

Please contact our friendly bookings team to find out about availability.

Site Layout (not to scale):

Hall Lobby:

Kitchen:

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Renwick Hall @ 90 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 105 sq m; Length 14.0 m; Width 7.5 m; Ceiling height 3.5 m min/5.0 m max (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 80 persons seated (theatre style), 130 standing. Please note that maximum capacity numbers may be reduced depending on the nature of the activity taking place;
• The Renwick Hall has a sprung wooden floor, large fully automated projector screen, electronic keyboard, a sound system which connects to a mobile device via a standard headphone socket, blinds and adult tables and chairs. This hall is popular for children’s parties, large meetings and lectures, dance and exercise classes;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £95 (inc kitchen) + £20 for each additional hour (both Halls, three hours, £145 + £32 for each additional hour). Regular hire rates available on request.

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Randall Room @ 90 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 46.8 sq m; Length 8.4 m; Width 4.1 m min/8.3 m max; Ceiling max height 2.25 m (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 45 persons seated (theatre style), 70 standing. Please note that maximum capacity numbers may be reduced depending on the nature of the activity taking place;
• The Randall Room is suitable for adult classes, smaller children’s classes and choirs, yoga and similar events. It also has an automated projection screen plus a white board, blinds, adults’ tables, chairs and card tables;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £75 (inc kitchen) + £14 for each additional hour (both Halls, three hours, £145 + £32 for each additional hour). Regular hire rates available on request.

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Harpenden Trust Halls @ No. 130a Southdown Road, AL5 1PU

No. 130a Southdown Road (formerly the Southdown Methodist Church Halls) has four rooms for hire, all located on the first floor. The halls are fully accessible for the disabled and less mobile, with a lift to the halls at the rear of the building from the car park at the Co-operative supermarket (parking is available for Co-op customers for up to three hours). There is a near by bus stop and some on-street parking. 

All hires include use of the kitchen which is fully fitted with a cooker, microwave and fridge. No crockery or utensils are included. Wifi is available for public use. 

Separate male and female toilet facilities are provided, and a disabled access toilet which includes baby change facilities, .

Please contact our friendly bookings team to find out about availability.

Site Layout (not to scale):

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Abbeyfield Hall @ 130 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 118 sq m; Length 12.8 m; Width 9.0 m (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 110 persons seated (theatre style), 200 standing. Please note that maximum capacity numbers may be reduced depending on the nature of the activity taking place;
• The Abbeyfield Hall has tables and chairs available for use. This hall is popular for children’s parties (especially those with bouncy castles!), large meetings and dance and exercise classes;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £110 (inc kitchen) + £24 for each additional hour (both Abbeyfield and Gibbons Halls together, three hours, £200 + £45 for each additional hour). Regular hire rates available on request.

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Gibbons Hall @ 130 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 102 sq m; Length 11.4 m; Width 9.0 m (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 100 persons seated (theatre style), 175 standing. Please note that maximum capacity numbers may be reduced depending on the nature of the activity taking place;
• The Gibbons Hall has a few tables and chairs available, for both adults and children, and a piano. This hall is popular for dance and exercise classes and children’s parties;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £120 (including use of cafe seating area outside the Hall and the main kitchen) + £27 for each additional hour (both Gibbons and Abbeyfield Halls together, three hours, £200 + £45 for each additional hour). Regular hire rates available on request.

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Charles Hill Lounge @ 130 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 35 sq m; Length 7.3 m; Width 4.9 m (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 20 persons seated (meeting style);
• The Lounge has low chairs and coffee tables. This hall is popular for small, one-off meetings;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £65 (inc kitchen) + £14 for each additional hour.

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The Meeting Room @ 130 Southdown Road

• Dimensions: 28 sq m; Length 6 m; Width 4.7 m (all measurements are approximate);
• Capacity: 12 persons seated (meeting style) plus comfy seating for 6 persons;
• The Meeting Room tables fold away providing a fully flexible space. This room is popular for handicraft groups and small, one-off meetings;
• Three hours for a one-off hire costs £65 (inc kitchen) + £14 for each additional hour.

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Hiring together two, three or four rooms at No. 130 Southdown Road can be done at a cheaper combined rate (on application).

Summary Terms & Conditions for all Halls

 Detailed terms and conditions are available on request. Hirers should note that:

• The halls are not licensed for the sale of alcohol.
• No hall hire to extend beyond 10pm.
• Smoking is prohibited throughout the halls.
• Halls are not hired to anyone aged under 21 years.
• The maximum permissible age for a party is 11 years.
• Hirers use the facilities for activities run by themselves only; sub-letting is not permitted.
• Seating/standing capacities are regulated by the Fire Authorities and may not be exceeded.
• The Harpenden Trust reserves the right to refuse a letting.
• Hall hire rates subject to final confirmation by Hall Bookings.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 8: NOVEMBER 2023. Whilst COVID guidelines have been withdrawn masks should still be worn during your class/event if directed to do so by your class leader. Please consider the needs of those at greater risk from COVID-19 and respect the wish that others may wish to take a more cautious approach. The Harpenden Trust has no liability for any infection alleged to have taken place at the Centre.

Testimonials for our Community Halls

Here is what some of our happy hirers have said:

"My daughter's party was a huge success and the Trust Centre's Renwick Hall was an amazing venue for it. I really appreciate all the help provided in the booking process." 

R.S. Harpenden

"The Harpenden Trust is a lovely venue and works really well for the classes I have held there. It’s clean, light, nice and warm in winter and plenty of space for what I need. It is in a perfect location with free parking nearby which is helpful for my customers. The booking process is really straightforward too! Would definitely recommend!”

R.S. Redbourn

“We use the Randall Room for weekly adult classes, and it’s ideal. Plenty of comfy chairs, light and airy, we love the big screen and best of all, it’s easy for our less mobile students.” 

D.C. Harpenden

“The halls are a fantastic venue for our exhibition; the light is excellent and the staff are helpful and accommodating.”

D.K. Harpenden

“Our daughter’s 4th birthday was here and it was a fab venue. We had both halls so also space for a baby chill out area, parents’ drinks area and space away from the disco. Kitchen including fridge for the food too, perfect”.

R.A. Harpenden