A well-loved community hall is to be demolished after more than 60 years of serving the public, it has been confirmed.

The Sir James Hawkey Hall, in Broomhill Road, Woodford Green will be demolished as part of Redbridge Council’s plans to create a new community facility on the site.

Councillor for Church End, Tom McLaren, said: “At an overview committee meeting last night it was asked outright ‘Is the Hawkey Hall going to be demolished?’ to which the chief executive for Vision Redbridge Leisure and Culture said yes.

“This decision is going to have significant consequences, so I hope the council will take the opportunity to listen to current users and take into account local needs.”

Council budget proposals released earlier this month said it wanted to look into redeveloping the Hawkey Hall site to provide a new facility, which would include a library, fitness centre, and housing.

The plans also said Woodford Green Library in Snakes Lanes East would be closed and replaced by the new complex in Broomhill Road.

These were met by public concern that service users with limited mobility would not be able to access the new site.

Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Paul Canal, said: “I think any move that affects a well-loved building should have been discussed with people beforehand.

“I am also concerned that the rental rates for the hall have been kept artificially high to create the impression the hall has no real use, but this cultural abandonment is very disappointing.”

Councillor McLaren added: “The hall is used for everything from the annual pantomime to public meetings.

“Although I hope the council does consult, I am sceptical, as from experience they have not shown great propensity in consulting local people before making these kinds of decisions.”

The council has been contacted for comment.