We have for some time been at the edge of the kitchen in the Loretto Community Hall being fit/unfit for purpose. It is both too small and too ‘domestic’. Even if we were not to expand the size of the kitchen it is still in need of a full upgrade. However, and this is our challenge, there is inadequate space for that upgrade as there is no room for a commercial dishwasher and commercial fridge while retaining adequate workspace. Therefore to improve we have to expand.

 At present the hall kitchen has:

• one 6 ring commercial cooker – with no extractor fan.

• two commercial sinks and one wash hand basin.

• commercial anti slip linoleum but now cracked and now in need of replacing.

• a small domestic fridge.

• domestic units and work tops

• storage for crockery, catering equipment etc is at the other side of the hall and barely meets hygienic standards. It also involves a good deal of lifting and carrying.

• two steps into the hall which present a trip hazard for people carrying tea pots etc.

• one plumbed in hot water dispenser

 At present the hall ‘Bar’ has:

• One small sink.

• A serving hatch

• Some unhygienic glass storage

• An unhygienic ice fridge

• No hygienic or secure drink storage

• No hygienic, non-slip floor covering

 Our proposal, by more than doubling the size of the kitchen and include the bar area, is to create an area with 3 distinct spaces, with commercial, anti-slip floor covering throughout.

Cooking and food preparation areas

Washing and serving areas

A ‘bar’ space for all beverages

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In the old kitchen area:

• Instal two (refurbished) 6 ring commercial cookers

• Instal adequate extraction

• Provide a sink for vegetable preparation

• Retain (if possible) the hand basin

• Instal a commercial fridge compliant with food hygiene regulations

• Provide adequate and hygienic storage for food preparation equipment

• Provide space for food preparation compliant with food hygiene regulations

    In the new kitchen area:

• provide a serving hatch onto the main hall

• Instal a commercial dishwasher

• Provide an access ramp from the serving/washing area into the main hall

• Provide adequate and hygienic storage for crockery etc

    In the expanded bar area:

• Expand the bar area and make it become part of the kitchen

• Provide a serving new hatch from the bar

• Instal a commercial glass washer

• Renew the sink

• Provide adequate hygienic glass storage

• Provide secure and hygienic drink storage

• Provide a hot water dispenser

This all out for consultation, questions and good ideas before I go to the next step which is contact the council

All the best

Fr Basil