The Town Hall is in the very centre of the town. Howards Lane car park is at the rear of the building and there are several more car parks within walking distance around the town. The Town Hall comprises of several facilities, notably the Corn Exchange, the Council Chamber, and the Wareham Town Museum.
The Corn Exchange is a large, ground-floor hall that has wheelchair-friendly access directly onto North Street. It can be hired for functions such as coffee mornings, exhibitions, lecture presentations, and table-top sales, etc. The Corn Exchange is licensed for up to 100 for seated events or 160 standing. The building has access to Wi-fi and there is a plain wall if a projector is required. There is also staging if required, at a small additional fee. The cost of hiring the Corn Exchange includes the use of tables, chairs, and the servery, where hot and cold beverages and snacks can be served. A larger kitchen is also available for an additional charge.
The Council Chamber is on the first floor, with views over Wareham's busy main street and distant views to the Purbecks. The room contains a large table, seating 16, for meetings and additional seating for up to 50. There is also a large screen for presentations, and a drinking water dispenser is available for the convenience of hirers. A stair-lift provides access for those with mobility issues. The Council Chamber boasts a large open fireplace and an ornate lion and unicorn crest. The walls are panelled with the names of local dignitaries, including Mayors dating from 1336 until the present day, and Town Clerks dating back to 1886. This room is also very popular for intimate wedding ceremonies. For enquiries regarding booking a Registrar for a wedding please visit https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/wareham-registration-office.
Every year, the ancient Court Leet meet in the Council Chamber to conduct its business. The court is an early form of trading standards and ensured that merchants and tradesmen gave good measure when brewing ale and fair weight when baking bread.
The Recreation Ground comprises of a football pitch, cricket wicket and a croquet lawn. It has a pavilion with toilets, showers and a kitchen area, which is included in the cost of the pitch hire. The Recreation Ground can also be hired for large events, such as country fairs, and every year plays host to Wareham Carnival Fair. We have even had a circus there!
Howards Lane Car Park, containing 60 spaces, is owned and managed by the Town Council.
Allotments - There are two allotment sites in the town, one in Northmoor and one in Bestwall Rd.. They both have their own management committees and deal with their own waiting lists and enquiries. For Bestwall Rd, please contact Su Ross-Anderson on 01929 553262 or email sec.bwall.allotment@gmail.co.uk. For Northmoor, please contact Paul Ambrose on 01929 556664 or email secretarynaha@gmail.com.
You can hire the Town Hall Council Chamber, Corn Exchange, Football Pitch, Cricket Pitch and Croquet Lawn and you can check availability, book and pay online via the link below.
Once you make a provisional booking, the time is blocked out of the calendar and cannot be booked by another party. Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of Hire on the link below, and remember to include your set up and pack down times in your booking to avoid further charges.
If you are unable to book online, please contact the Council Office on 01929 553006 who will be able to help you.
To book a venue click here
Town Hall Terms and Conditions
Recreation Ground Terms and Conditions
Fees and Charges 2023/24