Bawdeswell is an isolated rural village with a population of 828, located in the Breckland district. It is four miles from Reepham, which itself has limited facilities, and seven miles from Dereham, where most services are based.
 
There is no regular bus service, which has resulted in social isolation, particularly for older and young people.
 
The existing village hall comprises just one room and is too small to hold large community events. The lack of space also means there are few opportunities for local people to participate in sport and exercise activities.
 
The new facility will be a proper community hall that will provide flexible accommodation for multiple uses, including two further activity rooms and a larger main hall.
 
There will be new toilets, changing/shower rooms, an improved kitchen and storage area, a bar area and an outside patio seating area. The building design will also incorporate high thermal efficiency and use low carbon technology.
 
The hall will close for some months, probably from July.