Medway Community Centre

Medway Community Centre provides a welcoming and versatile space in the heart of Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the beautiful Peak District. Our centre on New Street is home to a wide range of community activities, from regular fitness and hobby groups to theatre performances, craft fairs, and private celebrations. We offer well-maintained, accessible facilities that can be hired by individuals, community groups, and businesses looking for a charming location with practical amenities.

Visitors consistently praise the excellent staff, good parking, and the range of rooms available for different purposes. Whether you need a large hall for a wedding reception, a smaller room for a club meeting, or a dedicated space for a children’s party, the Medway Centre can accommodate your requirements. Our building operates seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM, making us one of the most flexible and reliable venues in the Bakewell area.

Services & Facilities

The Medway Centre offers four distinct rooms that can be hired individually or in combination. Each space is equipped to support community groups, theatrical productions, and family gatherings. Our facilities are designed to be practical, clean, and adaptable, with the option to bring your own refreshments and decorations.

• Main Hall: Ideal for theatre performances, wedding receptions, live music, and large parties.
• Meeting Rooms: Perfect for craft lessons, board meetings, seminars, and educational workshops.
• Party Spaces: A favourite choice for children’s birthday parties with ample room for games and catering.
• Accessible Facilities: All rooms are located on a single floor with good access for visitors with mobility needs.

What We Offer

As a community centre, our programme is filled with events and activities that bring local people together. The centre hosts regular classes, one-off performances, and seasonal celebrations. The What’s On calendar is always active, featuring something for every age group and interest.

Regular Activities

Our weekly schedule includes dance classes, art and craft sessions, fitness groups, and youth theatre rehearsals. Many of these groups have been using the centre for years, creating a friendly, neighbourhood atmosphere that new members quickly appreciate.

Special Events

Keep an eye on the website for upcoming highlights such as the Pirates of Penzance by Utopia Unlimited, Back in Bakewell featuring Boy on a Dolphin, and performances by the Bakewell Youth Theatre. Fundraising events, such as the Cancer Research Charity Event, are also a staple of the Medway Centre calendar.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors and reviewers often highlight three key strengths: our dedicated staff, the clean and well-presented rooms, and the convenience of on-site parking. Being a single-floor venue means that wheelchair users and elderly guests can navigate the building comfortably. The atmosphere is welcoming, and many groups describe the centre as their community home.

Reviews also mention the centre’s role as a music venue and its popularity for craft fairs. While no building is perfect, the feedback we receive helps us continually improve ventilation, seating, and support services. When you book the Medway Community Centre, you are choosing a venue with real character, located just a short walk from Bakewell’s shops and attractions.

Serving Bakewell & Derbyshire

Medway Community Centre proudly serves the residents of Bakewell and the wider Derbyshire Dales. Our location on New Street puts us within easy reach of the A6 and A619, and we provide downloadable PDF maps from our website to help first-time visitors find us without stress. The centre is used by families from Matlock, Buxton, Chesterfield, and across the Peak District National Park.

Businesses also hire our rooms for training days, product launches, and networking events. The blend of professional facilities and Peak District charm makes the Medway Centre a popular pick for organisations that want a break from standard conference hotels.

Hours, Location & Directions

We are open every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM until 10:30 PM. This schedule allows early morning meetings, daytime classes, and evening performances to all fit comfortably within the centre’s timetable.

Our address is New Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DY. Follow the signs for the A619 toward Sheffield from the Rutland Square roundabout, passing the Town Hall and taking the second left. If you are coming from the A619, cross the bridge and turn first right before the pelican crossing, then continue past the Town Hall and take the second left. Parking is available for visitors, and the building is fully accessible.

Questions Visitors Ask

What types of events can be held at the centre?

We host everything from wedding receptions and birthday parties to theatre shows, workshops, and regular club meetings. Our rooms are flexible and can be set up to match your specific event format.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Many hirers choose to bring their own catering, and several local suppliers can deliver directly to the centre. We do not operate an in-house kitchen for public use, so please speak to our team about your catering plans.

Is the building wheelchair-friendly?

Absolutely. All public areas are on one level, and we have accessible toilets and parking spaces. We are happy to discuss any additional requirements before your visit.

How do I check room availability?

Visit our website and head to the Room Hire and Availability page, or call 01629 813638. Our team will talk you through the options and help you find a suitable date and time.

Are there regular classes I can join?

Yes. The What’s On and Regular Activities sections of our website list all weekly groups, including dance, exercise, and arts sessions. New members are always welcome, and most groups let you try a session before committing.

Is there parking on site?

Yes. We have a dedicated car park for visitors and hirers, which is free to use during your event or activity.