Introduction
Welcome to Strutts Community and Business Centre.
The Strutts Community Project exists to create a sustainable community asset as a legacy for the benefit of the township of Belper, in accordance with the intention of the original benefactor George Herbert Strutt, as decreed within the deeds of the original covenant.
Opening in 1909, the original school, as gifted to the town, remained as an educational establishment, changing from Higher Elementary, Grammar, Middle and Primary school until 2008. Many former pupils (known as Strutty Bangers!) returning to the building for various activities or events often recall their experiences, remembering particularly the Head Master’s office!
As plans were drawn up for Herbert Strutt Primary School to move to alternative premises, a small group of people, passionate about maintaining the heritage and legacy of the building and its importance to the community, formed a group and worked with the council to achieve an agreed change of ownership in 2009, ensuring that the site would become a social enterprise known as the Strutts Community Project.
Strutts is now run entirely by volunteers and is a much loved and vibrant asset to the local area.
Further details of the covenant and the history of our wonderful building can be accessed within the relevant sections on the website. However, in summary, the Strutts Community Project continues to serve the town of Belper, providing community, social and business facilities for the town.
We offer space to host regular group activities, clubs, and events, together with the opportunity to hire rooms for one-off meetings, or as a local base for business use.
Covering 3.5 acres, the site has great outdoor spaces and a comprehensive range of accessible rooms to meet many different requirements and configurations, with catering and bar facilities optionally available too.
Free wi- fi and internet provision together with ample, free, on-site car parking, and a bus stop right outside, make Strutts a great practical choice of venue, in this grand listed historic building that still has many stories to tell!
Aims
- To restore, develop and manage the grade 11 listed building as a mixed community and commercial centre in accordance with the deed of covenant as decreed by George Herbert Strutt.
- To operate as a charitable enterprise providing facilities for the community and local business.
- To prioritise the welfare and safety of all volunteers, hirers and visitors.
- To promote the building and community project as an asset to the town of Belper and the community.
- To create a sustainable and financially self-sufficient project