The building now known as Walton Village Centre was built in 1895. It opened in 1896 as Walton Infants’ Board School with 32 children aged 3½ to 8 years. The school closed in 1952 due to a decline in numbers. Throughout the 1960’s it was deemed unfit for use and in 1969 it was released from Derbyshire County Council and a committee was formed to raise money to convert the building into a community centre.
In 1972 the newly designated Walton Village Centre opened its doors to function as a social and educational centre administered by Walton Village Society. In 1991 the Society was registered with the charities commission under charity number 1003911. The building was formally transferred from Derbyshire County Council to the Society in April 1976.

Location and Site

The Village Centre site is accessed off Walton Back Lane and is bordered by adjacent private residential dwellings to the East and West and by fields to the South.
The main building is of stone construction with a natural blue slate roof with clay ridge tiles and stone coped gables. An extension was added to the rear of the building in 2008 to provide toilets which were formerly housed in the outbuilding at the rear of the site.
Internally, there is the main hall, a kitchen, a storage area and 2 toilets. Access to the hall is via the main door into the newly refurbished kitchen on the Eastern side of the building. An external fire door leads off the main hall to the front of the building.
Outside, at the back of the hall is an outbuilding currently used for storage. There is parking space within the grounds for around 8 vehicles and a pleasant lawned area ideal for picnics and other outdoor activities. The boundary wall, which surrounds the plot is constructed of stone or similar. The entrance to the plot is via a gated entrance off Walton Back Lane with a further gated entrance for pedestrian access. The property is surrounded by mature Oak and Sycamore trees growing within the boundary walls.

Services

The hall is served by mains gas and electricity and drainage is via a septic tank.

Trustees

There are 6 registered trustees, all serving or former serving members of Holymoorside and Walton Parish Council.

Inside the Village Centre

Inside, the activity hall will accommodate up to 40 people. The hall has a warm welcoming feel and is bright and airy with an insulated suspended ceiling and windows to 2 sides. It has a laminate floor which is ideal for dancing and other physical activities. There are tables and chairs to seat up to 32 people. The kitchen has recently been refurbished with modern units and there is a cooker, hob, refrigerator, microwave and kettles for making drinks.

Health and Safety

The following installations are subjected to the appropriate safety inspections in line with legal requirements.

• Gas Appliances
• Fire Extinguishers
• Electrical Installations and Appliances
• Smoke and CO2 detectors
• Water Supply