One day the historic main hall was filled with children making pirate flags. The next, councillors gathered around policy papers.
In the space of 48 hours, The Grammar in Heanor hosted two very different events, highlighting the range of activity now taking place inside the restored building.
On 17 February, nearly 600 people attended Amber Valley Borough Council’s Pirate Takeover Festival during the half-term break, filling the hall and adjoining community spaces with free half-term activities.
Delivered in partnership with Furthest from the Sea, the event featured hands-on workshops and creative sessions for children of all ages, with Infinite Wellbeing providing refreshments throughout the day.
Families travelled from Heanor and across Amber Valley, many returning after previous Pirate Takeovers. The day also boosted footfall in the town centre, as visitors spent time locally before and after the event.
The following evening, the hall was reconfigured to host a meeting of Amber Valley Borough Council’s Cabinet for the first time, with members of the public able to attend. Decisions included the Council’s Play Strategy and budget proposals for the year ahead.
The contrast between the two events demonstrated the flexibility of the space and the breadth of use it can support, from large-scale family activity to formal meetings.
The response has been encouraging, with families asking for more free events and local organisations already exploring how they can use the space for meetings and community activities.
Located in the centre of Heanor, The Grammar combines historic character with modern facilities. The main hall can accommodate between 150 and 300 people depending on layout, while a contemporary meeting room provides space for smaller gatherings of up to 80 people. Kitchen facilities, accessible toilets and on-site parking are available.
Councillor Emma Monkman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration & Estates at Amber Valley Borough Council, said:
"It was fantastic to see The Grammar used in such different ways across two consecutive days. That contrast really shows what the building can offer.
"The Pirate Takeover was a real success, welcoming families from Heanor and across Amber Valley.
"Events like this don’t just bring people together inside the building, they also create positive footfall for surrounding businesses, with families often spending time locally before and after the event.
"We’re already seeing strong interest from groups who want to host their own events here, and we’re looking forward to seeing that programme of activity continue to grow."
Following extensive renovation works to restore and modernise the building, The Grammar opened for community use at the beginning of February. The restoration of the former school building has created a permanent venue for events, meetings and community activity in the heart of Heanor.
Bookings are now being taken, with flexible hourly and day rates available and a minimum hire period of two hours.
Further information, including the hire pack and booking enquiry form, is available via the council’s website at heanorgrammar.co.uk
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
