FAQs

We are based in Northchurch, in the building that used to be The St John’s Ambulance Training Centre. Located off Bell Lane, opposite Loxley Road, behind the Northchurch Social Centre, accessible down the lane at the side of the Northchurch Social Centre, we are on the right-hand side of the lane.

The capacity of the large hall is 120 persons and that of the meeting room hall is 12. If the attendees at any function are seated at tables, that must be considered in terms of the capacity. These numbers may not be exceeded to comply with Fire Regulations.

The Horizon Centre can be hired for almost any events. If you are unsure if your event is suitable for the Centre, please do check with us. The Centre is not available for 18^th or 21^st birthday party bookings or any teenage birthday party bookings.

The Horizon Centre has a large free to use car park for approximately 25 cars. We do ask that hirers are responsible in their parking at that local residents are not unduly affected by the use of the car park.

The Horizon Centre is fully accessible for wheelchair users complete with a disabled access toilet. The Centre is on one level therefore accessible throughout for wheelchair users.

The Horizon Centre will require a security/cleaning deposit to make a booking. This is required to be paid at the time of making a booking. Depending on the type of booking this may be waived at the discretion of the Centre manager. This deposit will be returned after the booking provided that no damage has occurred and the rooms are left clean and tidy.

There will be a member of staff to welcome you to the building at the start time of your booking. We do not issue keys to hirers.

Access to the building is at the start time of your booking. For example, if you require an hour to set up and the event starts at 2.00pm, you will need to book from 1.00pm, at the other end of the booking you must include ‘clearing up time’ within your booking.

At The Horizon Centre we need to be considerate of residents living close to the Centre, because of this, we ask all hirers to ensure that the volume of sound is kept to a reasonable level especially when music is played or a PA system is used. In the summer months having the windows or doors open should also be taken into consideration Therefore, we request that all music or PA use must finish by 11.15. The actual function needs to end by 11.30 and all clearing and cleaning needs to complete by 12 midnight when the Centre can be locked by the member of staff on duty. When attendees leave the Centre late at night is s requested that they respect our neighbours and keep noise levels to a minimum. If this is not done, then any future booking may be jeopardised.

The Horizon Centre has a kitchen complete with hot water urn, kettle, fridge, microwave and a cooker. However, the kitchen is not equipped to cook meals it should rather be used for hot drinks, and reheating food. There are mugs and spoons provided however tea, coffee, milk and sugar should be brought with you unless agreed with the Centre manager. There is a hatch into the main hall from the kitchen.

The Horizon Centre must be left in the same condition as you found with floors swept and all rubbish collected and bagged. Tables and chairs need to be stacked appropriately. If the room is left dirty, untidy or with rubbish left then part, or all of your security deposit, may be withheld. We can provide a cleaning service after your event, agreed with the Centre manager in advance, for an additional fee.

The Horizon Centre has a portable PA system with microphones with the ability to play music but not suitable for DJ use. This can be booked before the event. Please speak to us about this if it might be something you want to book.

For any further questions, please contact [email protected]

The building is not a licensed premise however we can apply for a TEN (Temporary Events Notice) allowing a bar during your event. We can provide a bottle bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks.

The Temporary Events Notice needs to be applied for at least 14 days before the event and will cost £21.

The cost of the bar will be, in addition to the £21, £15 per hour for the duration that you wish the bar to operate

If you wish to have a soft drinks bar along with hot drinks such as teas and coffees, we can provide that without the £21 application fee.