Villagers hoping to build a new community hall are holding a Christmas event on Monday they hope will kick-start their ambitious £1 million fundraising scheme.

Plans for a new village hall in Cullingworth were announced in the summer with an initial target of £500,000, but since then more detailed research suggests the bill is likely to double.

But the projected cost has not deterred members of the Village Hall Renewal Committee – a sub-group of the village hall committee.

Jenny Woodhead, from the group, said: “We were very shocked, but we kind of had to say, ‘Moving on, we’ll still do it’.”

An architect has drawn up outline plans for a two-storey building, working with groups such as the pre-school, who will use it.

Mrs Woodhead added: “We’re in the very early stages. We’re not builders or campaigners – we’ve got different skill sets, but loads of enthusiasm.”

The existing village hall was moved to Station Road from the Damside area of Keighley in 1967, where it was the Salvation Army citadel.

“I think it came up on the back of a couple of lorries, and has been our village hall ever since. It was a second-hand building in 1967 and it’s not looking too clever now, as you can imagine.

“The current village hall committee knows it’s something that needs to be done.”

The hope is to build the new hall – which may include a youth cafe for teenagers – in 2015.

The committee is researching grants it can apply for, and has held early discussions with Barratt Homes about a possible contribution as it builds new houses in the village. Members have also been rallying support from businesses and residents.

“People are very, very up for it. They know the hall is falling down, and some areas of it are just beyond repair,” Mrs Woodhead added.

“We’re going to get a bigger village, so we want a bigger and better village hall.”

The hope is to build at Lodge Street, behind the village medical practice, in a land-swap with Bradford Council.

Villagers are invited to support fundraising at the Christmas Twilight musical evening being held in the village hall from 5pm to 7pm on Monday. Tickets are £5 for adults and free for children. E-mail kathryn.toledano@btinternet.com or visit the Paper Shop or Post Office.