Thorley Community Centre is located on Friedberg Avenue, Thorley Park, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4RF, next to the Harvest Moon pub. From 1 September 2026, Thorley Community Centre has been operated by the registered charity Bishop’s Stortford Community Centres CIO. Bishop’s Stortford Town Council acts as the booking and management agent for the centre.
The centre has two halls which can be hired individually or together. Please note that the two rooms are separated by a fixed dividing wall. The wall cannot be opened or removed to create one larger room. However, there is a standard connecting door between the two rooms which can be opened to allow access between them.
Large Hall
The Large Hall is approximately 16.5m x 9.5m. It has a serving hatch and access to a small kitchen.
Small Hall
The Small Hall is approximately 9.5m x 5.7m. It also has access to a small kitchen - there is no serving hatch.
The two halls can be hired together. There is a small door between the two rooms which can be propped open.
Tables and chairs are stored in the cupboard and are shared between both rooms. If both rooms are being used at the same time, the available tables and chairs will need to be shared between the two rooms.
FACILITIES
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wi-Fi available
- Small car park
- Two halls available for hire
- Small kitchen facilities serving both halls
- Serving hatch in the Large Hall
- High ceiling suitable for a bouncy castle
BOOKING
At present, we are NOT taking bookings for private parties or events at Thorley Community Centre. Bishop’s Stortford Community Centres CIO would like to carry out some maintenance work at the centre before private bookings commence.
We do not yet have a confirmed date for when the centre will become available for private hire. We are therefore unable to accept or facilitate requests for private bookings at this time.
We manage other community centres that may be available for hire. For further information, please visit the venue pages for:
- Havers Community Centre
- St Michael’s Mead Community Centre
- Bishop’s Park Community Centre
- Markwell Studio
Once Thorley Community Centre is available for Private Hire
Once Thorley Community Centre is available for private events and bookings, you will be able to book online via the link on this webpage or contact the persons below.
For one-off bookings, please contact:
Hilary Mitchell
01279 712141
hilary.mitchell@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
Tracey Gaynor
01279 715004
tracey.gaynor@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
For regular hire, please contact:
Anne Shirley
01279 712146
anne.shirley@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HIRERS
Birthday Parties
16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st birthday parties are not permitted at Thorley Community Centre.
For parties for ages 12 and over, a £300 cash damage deposit is required.
Dogs
Dog training sessions are not permitted in this venue. Only Guide Dogs permitted in the venue
Helium Balloons
The use of helium balloons, paper lanterns and naked flamed candles are not permitted at this community centre.
BOUNCY CASTLE INFORMATION
Thorley Community Centre has a high ceiling that can facilitate a bouncy castle. However hirers should be aware that the use of a bouncy castle is at their own risk. Bishop’s Stortford Community Centres CIO and Bishop’s Stortford Town Council will not be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by such use. Hirers also need to ensure that their provider has adequate public liability insurance.
PROBLEMS WITH KEYS OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS
If you experience difficulty accessing the centre outside of office hours, please telephone the Caretaker for assistance on Telephone No 07799 595045.
| Hirer | Large Hall | Small Hall | Both Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Hire/Registered Charity | £35 | £30 | £60 |
| Commercial | £20 | £15 | £32 |
| Regular Hirer Playschool | £12 | £8 | £16 |
| Non-Commercial Regular Hirers | £15 | £13 | £25 |
| Ad Hoc Hires - after 6pm on Fridays/Weekends/Public Holiday | £40 | £35 | £70 |
| Room | Capacity (people) | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Large Hall | 80 seated / 90 standing (to be confirmed) | 16.5M x 9.7M |
| Small Hall | 25 seated / 35 standing (to be confirmed) | 9.7M x 5.7M |
| Tables & Chairs in lobby cupboard | 80 chairs at present to be shared between both rooms. (to be confirmed) | The room capacity totals should be used as a guidance only. The numbers quoted are the absolute maximum ‘standing’ side by side capacity. Room capacity (people) totals quoted does not take into account the space needed around any front facing teacher/fitness instructor/entertainer, nor does it take into account the space taken up by the hirers/attendees equipment |
Thorley Community Centre, Friedberg Avenue, Thorley Park, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire,
