The Istead Rise Community Centre was conceived following a period of rapid development during the 1960’s and 70’s, this gave rise to demands from the local community for additional social facilities, consequently leading to a successful lobby of Gravesham Borough Council by the Istead Rise Association in 1976.
Planning permission was eventually granted in 1979 and the construction of the Community Centre based on funding from a wide variety of sources, including many residents themselves and was officially opened on the 29th of November 1980.
After its inception amendments to the Constitution were made in relation to a much more comprehensive responsibility and it became the Istead Rise Community Association (IRCA). A committee was established to support local fund raising, as a result in 1986 an extension was built to provide a generous new lounge bar, stage and storage facilities. A fire started during a burglary in March 2007 and this area was particularly damaged. A year later in 2008 work commenced to rebuild the Centre to its original specifications.
Today the Community Centre can boast a further large extension completed in 2016 housing an excellent games room with a pool table and two electronic dart boards, visible and accessible from the main bar area.
Over the years many necessary renovation projects have been undertaken to update and improve facilities for the benefit and welfare of the community, including most recently a fantastic renovation of the bar area. Plans shall continue to evolve, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for present and future generations enjoyment.
Facilities include:
• Sizeable main hall with a capacity upwards of 150 people, stage, bar and separate conveniences. Ideal for holding various events.
• Adjacent annex room, comprising of a perfectly adequate fitted kitchen.
• Large lounge bar and games room, Sky and BT sport available covering all the major sporting events.
• Paved garden with ample seating and bbq area.
• Snooker room housing one ex-championship table, access is gained through main entrance foyer. To hire the snooker room please call the Centre on 01474 833 903 to book in advance and avoid disappointment. The price is £5 per hour.
The latest renovations to the bar area has seen the seating capacity rise quite dramatically creating a much more open plan feel, with the addition of a new lighting system and decor throughout the bar area now has a much more ambient atmosphere.
Members and their welcomed guests can enjoy a fine array of alcoholic beverages, bar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks at subsidised prices. Entertainment in the form of live bands, solo artists, disco nights, poker and quiz evenings are held regularly during the year and a hugely popular date for the diary.
The Community Centre serves hot drinks from 10.00am to 12.00pm every weekday, welcoming retired members of the community to a coffee morning every Thursday 10.00am – 12.00pm
Bar opening times:
Mon, Tues, Wed, 2.00pm – 11.00pm
Thurs, Fri, Sat, 12.00pm – 11.00pm
Sunday, 12.00pm – 10.30pm
Bank Holidays the bar will close at 10.30pm
*Hours of operation are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and at the manager’s discretion.
MEMBERSHIP & HIRE RATES
Membership joining fee is £10 per person and the annual subscription is £20 and £10 for senior citizens.
You can download the latest membership application and renewal form here.
Members & non-members hire rates Mon-Fri:
Main Hall including Annexe, Kitchen & Balcony:
Before 7.00pm (£38 per hour, non-members £49.50)
After 7.00pm (£38.50 per hour, non-members £50) and anytime Sat/Sun
Main Hall Only:
Before 7.00pm (£27.50 per hour, non-members £33)
After 7.00pm (£27.50 per hour, non-members £33)and anytime Sat/Sun
Annexe and Kitchen:
£16.50 per hour, non-members £27.50including Sat/Sun
Balcony Room:
£11 per hour, non-members £16.50including Sat/Sun
Members function rate:
£456.50 plus a refundable deposit of £300 (All day after 12pm)
Non members function rate:
£715 plus a refundable deposit of £600 (All day after 12pm)
Charity function rate:
£250 – A letter is required from the chosen charity confirming they are benefiting from the event.
Please note all bookings to pay for total time used.
You can download a booking form here.
50% discount available to regular Youth and Senior Citizen activities. This is offered at the discretion of the committee and must be approved for any new bookings.
THE OFFICE
The office hours are Mon – Fri 9.00am – 2.00pm and Sat 9.00am – 12.00pm the friendly staff will be happy to handle all booking enquiries and membership renewals and applications.
The Community Centre welcomes all their members and their guests to enjoy the many facilities on offer.
Istead Rise Community Centre
Worcester Close
Istead Rise
Gravesend
Kent
DA13 9LB
Telephone: 01474 833 903
Email: irca@btconnect.com or irca002@gmail.com
Website: ircatoday.com
