Bilton Hall Community Trust was originally set up as Low Simonside Community Association in 1979, a former school site which transferred to the now Simonside Primary School in Jarrow. The Trust is now a registered charity (1171907) since March 6^th, 2017.

The Trust was formed to develop and manage the Community Centre with the aim of turning it into a successful, self-sustaining centre, providing the community with somewhere they can come to learn, relax and engage in activities.

​The Trust is in the process of completing a community asset transfer and agreeing a 40 year peppercorn lease with South Tyneside Council.

​Gradually over time, the Trust will invested in the Community Centre, securing capital grants and fundraising to improve the facilities. With further grant funding established in future will look to secure staff to help manage the site.

​Today the community centre is a thriving with around 20,000 visits from the South Tyneside community per year.

The Trust is on its way to a 100% financial sustainability by maximising the income generation techniques above and this will allow the organisation to become less grant funded reliant and more financially secure for future generations to benefit from the centre.

Joanna Tuck – Community Development Manager