The original village hall was constructed in 1926 in the Arts and Craft style and is located in the centre of the Papworth Conservation area and adjacent to Papworth hospital. By the early 21st century the hall was in a state of disrepair and inadequate community use. Purcell was commissioned by the Parish Council to undertake a feasibility study into the repair, refurbishment and extension of the building to provide a modern facility to serve many functions within a village that had grown significantly in size and diversity. Community and Statutory engagement were key. From the outset of the project and at strategic points in the design development programme Purcell presented to the parish council and the local community to test the latest design concepts and proposals. We also met with South Cambridgeshire planners to communicate the proposals at an early stage in the project and ensure a smooth planning consent process.