Modernising Horley Community Centre - public engagement survey feedback (Sept 2025)

  1. 1. Background, aim and how we engaged
  2. 2. Survey results - participation and key findings
  3. 3. Results - activities in the centre
  4. 4. Results - physical changes to the building
  5. 5. Results - spaces and facilities in the Centre
  6. 6. Results - catering facilities
  7. 7. Results - other suggestions
  8. 8. Results - a modern community centre
  9. 9. Results - postcard
  10. 10. Appendix 1 - survey: all feedback and comments provided
  11. 11. Appendix 2 - postcard: all feedback and comments provided

6. Results - catering facilities

Combining the upstairs café and downstairs restaurant into a single café on the ground floor

The council is considering combining the upstairs café and the downstairs restaurant into one café area on the ground floor. We asked participants to tell us what you like and dislike about the current spaces.

This question received 35 responses, 37 participants skipped it. Some of the comments of those who responded are summarised below, see Appendix 1 for the full responses.

Feedback on the existing upstairs café and downstairs restaurant suggests that the upstairs café feels cramped due to limited space and that combining the spaces would be beneficial. Some comments suggested retaining some facilities to allow for making drinks upstairs to support activities.

“More people together is brilliant, however would be great to have a specific quiet section, especially for some with neurodiversity and dementia”

“People dropping in wouldn’t know there’s a cafe upstairs so seems a waste of space and staff resources. A welcoming cafe/coffee shop downstairs would make sense”

“The upstairs cafe is very cramped”

“I've never used the downstairs restaurant. Upstairs is a bit squashed”

“Combining the two makes sense, and an outside seating area would be lovely! Though it is nice to be able to nip next door for a drink during meetings, events etc, upstairs! Perhaps a smaller pop-up cafe could be incorporated for the main hall up there!”

“Too much like an institution instead of a community space. Yes, combine”

“Two different locations in one building make no sense. this would help efficiency”

“Upstairs cafe space could be used for other purposes. Downstairs currently looks dull and institutionalised. Like the idea of coffee and snack area with informal seating. In addition to main meals”

“The upstairs cafe is handy for those who want drinks upstairs and struggle with mobility”

“The current downstairs layout provides a good space for the occasional themed lunches which include entertainment.  It would be a shame to lose this facility”

“I think having the upstairs cafe is handy for use when things like Friday Food Club runs”

“Perfect the way it is. Upstairs refreshment facilities essential for our members and guests sometimes travelling long distances to reach us and in need of a drink. Also an area for those not able to take part in keep fit”

Combined café offering (coffee shop, snack bar and light lunches)

We asked participants if they agreed with earlier feedback which suggested people would like a coffee shop, snack bar and light lunches as part of the combined cafe offering.

This question received 46 responses, 26 participants skipped it. Of those who responded, the majority of participants, 80.4%, agreed with the earlier feedback and would like a combined café offering of a coffee shop, snack bar and light lunches. 15.2% were not sure and 4.3% did not agree. The breakdown of responses is shown in Figure 4.

Feedback provided in the ‘Other (please specify)’ field included suggestions for:

  • Catering: more options for people with allergies, vegetarians, and those unable to eat from the standard menu (including at special lunch events), calorie information on menus, more puddings.
  • Outdoor space: dog-friendly seating area to attract passers-by.
  • Workshops: cooking classes focused on affordable and cost-effective meals.
  • Warm Hub: provide a ‘Warm Hub’ scheme in winter, where hot food could be in on offer (‘Warm Hubs’ have been created by Community Action Northumberland as places within the local community where people can be assured of finding a safe, warm and friendly environment. In which to enjoy refreshments, social activity, information, advice and the company of other people).

General feedback:

  • Competitive prices could attract people who might otherwise go to high street cafés.
  • Increase footfall, help people save money and raise funds for the centre.
  • Keep the current lunch arrangements and chef.
  • Retain the upstairs kitchen facilities.

Figure 4. Earlier feedback suggested people would like a coffee shop, snack bar and light lunches as part of the combined cafe offering. Do you agree with this?

Figure 4. Earlier feedback suggested people would like a coffee shop, snack bar and light lunches as part of the combined café offering. Do you agree with this? Majority 80.4% answered yes

 

Previous Results - spaces and facilities in the Centre Next Results - other suggestions