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Terms and Conditions

The Boiler House Community Space (BHCS) Terms and Conditions of Hire

Please read and agree to the Terms and Conditions (Section 1) and the relevant hire agreement (Section 2 or Section 3).

  • Section 1: Applies to everyone hiring the BHCS
  • Section 2: Private Hire Agreement (e.g. for parties and weekend/occasional hire)
  • Section 3: Session Providers Agreement (e.g. those providing a class or community activity)

Section 1: All BHCS Hirers

Use of the Centre

Use of the Community Centre is subject to the following rules and, in the case of hirers, to certain standard conditions incorporated in the hiring agreement.

Equal Opportunities

The Community Centre shall be open to all members of the community regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious or political beliefs or marital status.

Applying to Use the Centre

a) Application for use of the Centre shall be made to the Centre Management.

b) All arrangements for the use of the Centre facilities are subject to the Management reserving the right to cancel bookings in case of emergency or when the premises are required for use as a Polling Station or are rendered unfit for the intended purpose.

c) Local groups shall normally have priority use of the facilities, but all arrangements to hire facilities made from outside bodies will be honoured except as provided for in (b) above.

d) BHCS reserves the right to cancel confirmed bookings if the subject contravenes BHCS’s Terms and Conditions.

e) BHCS reserves the right to refuse entry to persons if, in BHCS’s opinion, such persons cannot be safely accommodated in the room or if such numbers would likely cause a breach of any regulations affecting BHCS.

f) BHCS reserves the right to alter these conditions at any time without notice. The hirer agrees with BHCS to observe and perform the provisions and stipulations contained or referred to in BHCS’s Terms and Conditions and Hire Agreement for the time in force (an understanding of which the hirer acknowledges), together with any special conditions which may be imposed.

Hours of Opening

Facilities at the Community Centre are normally available for use between the hours of 9am to 9pm, with some exceptions.

Maximum Capacity

The Centre hall has a maximum capacity of 50 and on no account shall these figures be exceeded.

Safety Requirements

All conditions attached to the granting of the Centre’s Premises shall be strictly observed. Nothing shall be done to endanger the users of the building and the policies of insurance relating to it and its contents. In particular:

a) Obstructions must not be placed in the gangways or exits, nor in front of the emergency exits, which must be immediately available for free public access.

b) Fire fighting equipment shall be kept in its proper place and only used for its intended purpose.

c) The fire brigade shall be called to any outbreak of fire.

d) Performances involving danger to the public shall not be held.

e) Highly flammable substances shall not be brought into or used in any part of the building.

f) No unauthorised heating appliances shall be used on the premises.

g) The First Aid box shall be readily available to all users of the premises and is located in the kitchen.

h) All electrical equipment brought onto the premises shall comply with the current Electricity at Work Regulations. Each item must be Portable Appliance Tested by a certified electrician.

i) There is a No Smoking policy throughout the building.

Responsibilities

The BHCS shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to any property arising out of holding a function, or any injury which may be incurred by or be done or happen to any person during the holding of a function arising from any causes whatsoever, or for any loss due to breakdown of machinery including technology (i.e. internet access), failure or supply of electricity or telephone, leakage of water, fire, riot, restriction, or act of God which may cause BHCS premises to be temporarily closed or the function interrupted.

The hirer must notify BHCS before confirmation of booking if any young person under the age of sixteen shall be attending the function. The hirer is responsible for undertaking all necessary risk assessments in relation to the function and any activities to be carried out by the young persons in their care.

Supervision

The hirer or person in charge of the activity shall not be under 18 years of age and shall be on the premises for the entire period of hire or duration of the activity. When the premises or any part of them are used for the purpose of public entertainment, there shall be a minimum of two persons aged 18 or over on duty. Any event with children requires an adult supervision ratio of 1:8 (one adult over the age of 25 for every eight children/young persons).

Intoxicating Liquor

The sale of alcohol is not permitted within the community centre.

Use of Wireless Internet

All users of BHCS’s wireless internet are governed by UK legislation, including the Computer Misuse Act 1990. Details of any users found to contravene this legislation will be forwarded to the authorities.

The hirer shall be responsible for any loss or damage arising from their participants’ misuse of BHCS’s wireless internet.

Storage

The permission of the Centre Management must be obtained before goods or equipment are left or stored at the centre, except when the Centre Manager has authorised overnight storage of goods and equipment brought to the Centre before a particular event.

Loss of Property

The BHCS cannot accept responsibility for damage to, or loss or theft of, Centre users’ property and effects.

Car Parking

There is no parking anywhere on the estate. The estate is monitored by ANPR. Hirers’ cars may be brought onto the estate premises to off-load and load only, with a 15-minute grace period allowed for this. Free parking is available on the surrounding roads after midday.

Nuisance

a) Litter shall not be left in or about the Centre premises.

b) Hirers are responsible for ensuring that the noise level of their function does not interfere with or cause inconvenience to the occupiers of nearby flats and property.

Cleaning & Security / Care of Centre

All use of the Centre premises and facilities is subject to the hirers accepting responsibility for returning furniture and equipment to their original position and for securing doors and windows of the premises as directed by Centre Management.

All hirers shall leave the premises and surrounds in a clean and tidy condition. Hirers will be required to pay a Damage & Contract Deposit, the amount of which will vary depending on the type of event or function being held (see Section 2 for weekend/private hire rates).

Section 2: Private Hire Agreement (Weekend & Occasional Hire)

Definitions: Hirer means the person or persons and guests hiring the space for the agreed date and time. BHS means Boiler House Spaces.

2.1 The Hirer

  • The Hirer must not be under 21 years of age and hereby accepts responsibility for being in charge of, and on, the premises at all times.
  • The Hirer is responsible for the behaviour and conduct of their guests, and must be at the venue at all times.
  • There is to be no sub-letting of the venue.

2.2 Booking Times

  • When booking, the Hirer must include the time required to set up, pack away, and clean within the booked hours (for example, 12:00–18:00 — access is given only within that window).
  • Additional time before or after the booking must be agreed with BHS and paid for in advance.
  • Access is not given the night before to decorate the venue.
  • Keys are not provided; the centre must not be left unattended at any time.

2.3 Late Finish

  • If the Hirer and guests have not vacated the building by the end of the agreed time, this may result in the loss of the deposit. Any overrun of more than 15 minutes results in automatic retention of the deposit.
  • Arriving late does not extend the end time of the booking.
  • All music must be turned off by the end of the hire.

2.4 Cleaning

  • No cleaning service is provided; the venue must be left as it was found.
  • All tables and chairs must be returned to their original locations.
  • All bins must be emptied into the communal bin areas opposite the venue entrance.
  • All spillages must be mopped up and tables wiped down.
  • All decorations must be removed, and any mess in the vicinity of the venue cleared up.
  • Please check nothing has been left on site, including in the fridge.
  • Party cannons must not be used outside our buildings.
  • Toilets must be left clean.

2.5 Noise, Music & Conduct

  • No DJs or personal announcement/PA systems are permitted at any of our sites. A speaker can be borrowed on request at the Boiler House.
  • Music volume must be kept at a reasonable level — if it can be heard, including the bass, outside the building, it is too loud. Repeated complaints put the deposit at risk.
  • Keep doors and windows closed where possible to minimise noise for nearby residents.
  • The key holder will arrive at the end of the hire to carry out building checks and lock up; guests should have left and the venue should be clean and tidy by this point. Any overrun of 15 minutes or more results in the deposit being retained.
  • We do not manage the outside space; the hire covers the inside hall only, and events should be held inside the building.
  • Please leave quickly and quietly, respecting nearby residents. Do not congregate outside the building after the hire.
  • BHS operates a zero-tolerance policy on abusive or violent behaviour towards staff. This may result in removal from the building and, in extreme cases, the Police being called.
  • Repeated complaints or poor behaviour may result in the booking being cancelled immediately and guests being asked to vacate.

2.6 Cancellations

  • The £100 booking fee is non-refundable should you cancel the booking.
  • Cancellations made less than one calendar month before the hire date incur 100% retention of the hire fees (excluding the separate Damage & Contract Deposit).
  • Cancellations made less than two calendar months before the hire date incur 50% retention of the hire fees (excluding the separate Damage & Contract Deposit).
  • We offer one change of date within 6 months of the original hire date.

2.7 Operating Procedures

The Hirer must ensure that:

  • No lights or lighting fixtures are interfered with in any way.
  • All decorations (including flowers) and any equipment other than that provided by the centre are removed by the end of the event, unless otherwise agreed with Centre Management in advance.
  • No Sellotape or similar is used on any surfaces, and nothing is hung on the curtain rail or curtains — they break easily.
  • No damage is caused to the building or to any property, equipment, fixtures, fittings, or artwork inside it.
  • Other Centre users, their equipment, and belongings are treated with respect; furniture or equipment belonging to others is not moved without prior agreement.
  • Any breakages or damage are reported promptly to Centre Management so repairs or replacements can be arranged.
  • Compensation is provided for any damage or loss caused during the hire.
  • Children are supervised by an adult at all times.
  • All emergency exit doors and passageways are kept clear at all times.
  • No drugs or illegal substances are consumed or brought onto the premises — anyone found doing so will be removed, lose their deposit and booking fee, and be reported to the Police.
  • No food or drink is taken outside the premises to consume in the estate.
  • No fireworks and no BBQs.
  • Any damage caused will be deducted from the deposit, and additional charges may be billed separately.

2.8 Loss and Damage to Property

BHS does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to the Hirer’s or their guests’ property. Loss or damage to the Centre’s property, including artwork, caused by the Hirer or a guest must be paid for by the person or organisation concerned.

2.9 Bouncy Castles & Inflatables

No bouncy castles or inflatables are permitted at The Boiler House site.

2.10 Booking Fee and Damage & Contract Deposit

  • A £100 booking fee is required to secure your booking. This is deducted from your final hire balance, and is non-refundable if you cancel the booking (see Cancellations above).
  • A separate £100 Damage & Contract Deposit is also required. BHS retains the right to withhold this deposit for any breach of these terms. Any breach or complaint must be addressed immediately — failure to do so may result in the deposit being retained and/or guests being asked to leave. The Damage & Contract Deposit is usually returned within 7 days of the hire.

2.11 Fire Safety Procedure

In the unlikely event of a fire:

  1. On discovering a fire, inform a member of staff or the event holder.
  2. Inform everyone in the building in a calm and sensitive manner.
  3. Leave the building calmly through the nearest signposted fire exit.
  4. Once safely outside, congregate in the turning/parking area, or a good distance from the building.
  5. Dial 999.
  6. Call the on-duty centre lead.

Section 3: Session Providers Agreement (e.g. those providing a class or community activity)

When your booking has been accepted, the Centre Management will issue your hire agreement for you to read and sign.

Boiler House Spaces

Boiler House Community Centre George Downing Estate, N16 6BE

Myddleton Grange Community Hall 108 Colthurst Crescent, N4 2FD

0208 806 8013 info@boilerhousespaces.com

Charity no: 1148931 | Company number: 07458912