A £3.5 million package of improvements has been announced as part of the “continuing investment” to develop facilities at the High Leigh conference centre in Hoddesdon.
The work will begin this month and will include the construction of a new accommodation wing featuring 38 rooms, including two limited mobility rooms, bringing the total number of bedrooms with en-suite facilities at the centre to 168.
The new generously sized bedrooms can be easily adapted for individual use, shared use or for families. The energy efficient building will feature solar panels and air source heat pumps. The bedrooms will complement existing facilities which includes 16 meeting rooms, three large halls and three medium halls all equipped with up-to-date digital facilities including high speed wi-fi. The centre is set in a 40 acre country park close to Hoddesdon town centre.
The new wing is part of a scheme of works the Christian Conference Trust (CCT), the not-for-profit charity that runs High Leigh, has committed to carrying out at the venue which is used by a whole range of client groups including local and national businesses, public bodies, international NGOs, churches and other Christian groups.
John Heasman, chief executive of CCT said: “We are making this investment at High Leigh because we want the experience of our conference guests to get better and better. It is important to us that every person is able to relax and feel at home in first class surroundings.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment at CCT to continually respond to our guests’ changing needs and expectations.”
Michael Page, chair of trustees, said: “At CCT we welcome tens of thousands of guests each year. This major improvement scheme goes a long way to ensuring visitors to High Leigh enjoy their time with us.”
Barnes Construction, a family owned business, will carry out the work which is scheduled for completion next June.
Mark Hart, joint managing director of Barnes Construction, said “We are excited about working with CCT to further develop this stunning Victorian venue. We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum to enable CCT to continue with the day to day running of the business. We look forward to the extension progressing smoothly and to providing some new and improved facilities on completion next year.”
