A Christmas auction with a woman standing on a stage, and an audience seated in chairs facing them. The room is decorated with fairy lights and a Christmas tree, with bookshelves and artwork on the walls.

Hiring our spaces

Our halls and rooms are available for hire to external groups and for private events. 

We have four buildings in Benwell and Scotswood and each has facilities to suit different needs. The locations are:

  • St James, Benwell Lane, NE15 6RS

  • Venerable Bede, West Road, NE4 8AP

  • St John's, Benwell Village, Ferguson Lane, NE15 6NW

  • St Margaret's Scotswood, Armstrong Road, NE15 6AR

If you are interested in booking our spaces, please read the information and fill out the booking request below.

  • Prices may vary depending on the organisation, activity, and requirements. As a guideline, our usual charges are:

    • £50 deposit.

    • £25 per hour for hire.

    • £25 statutory caretaking fee to open and close the building.

    • £12.50 for each additional hour a caretaker is needed.

    If the booking finishes after 9pm 

    • £100 deposit.

    • £50 per hour for every hour after 9pm.

    • £50 statutory caretaking fee.

    • £12.50 for each additional hour a caretaker is needed.

    The booking will be confirmed on receipt of the deposit. This will be returned or deducted from the final bill if the space is left in an acceptable condition. The deposit will not be refundable if the booking is cancelled without good reason within 72 hours before the event.

Terms & conditions

Each request is assessed individually by the PCC via the Parish Secretary. 

We prioritise events and activities which strengthen and serve our local community. 

  • We ask all groups to be respectful of our sacred spaces, our faith, and our neighbours.

    There will be different requirements based on whether it is a private or public event.

    The room must be used only for the stated purpose and vacated at the agreed time.

    The deposit will not be refundable if the booking is cancelled without good reason within 72 hours before the event.

    Bookings for some organisations and activities will be contingent on proof of appropriate Public Liability Insurance, safeguarding policies, and other relevant policies.

    The PCC reserves the right to refuse requests for hire by groups or for activities which do not comply with our safeguarding, inclusion, and other policies (which you will find here).

    The PCC reserves the right to refuse requests for hire by groups or for activities which, in its opinion, are either contrary to the purposes and beliefs of the Church of England, or where it considers that such use or activities may cause offence, on grounds of their religion or belief, to a significant number of Christians. 

    Bookings for political organisations in particular will be assessed individually by the PCC, and the safety and dignity of our diverse local community will always come first.

    Accepted bookings do not imply the Parish's agreement with, or endorsement of, that group. 

  • Private parties and events do not need a safeguarding policy, but must familiarise themselves with our policy.

    Organisations working with children and vulnerable adults must have an appropriate safeguarding policy and carry out appropriate checks on staff and volunteers when necessary. 

    If your organisation does not have your own policy, then you must study, adopt, and implement the Church's Safeguarding Policy.

    You can view and download our safeguarding policy here.

  • All groups must agree to follow our equality, diversity, and inclusion policy. The PCC reserves the right to refuse or cancel bookings which unfairly discriminate or promote views which we feel may be damaging to our diverse community.

    You can view and download our Equality and Diversity policy here.

    We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of:

    • Age

    • Disability

    • Gender identity or sex

    • Sexual orientation

    • Marital status

    • Pregnancy and maternity

    • Race (including colour, nationality, or ethnicity)

    • Religion or belief

    • Immigration status

  • Access to kitchens is sometimes possible in our buildings, please let us know if this is required.

    If the activity involves supplying food or drink (other than light refreshments such as tea/coffee/biscuits) those preparing food may need to prove they have relevant training and qualifications. 

  • This must be agreed with us in advance and is subject to appropriate licenses.  We reserve the right to refuse events that may cause disruption to our neighbours.

Booking request form