New Entrance Now Open
March 17th saw the Mayor open the New Entrance and Lift. A packed church celebrated the conclussion of a 6th month project which effectively turns the building sideways! It looks great. So make sure you come in the right way!
History and further development:
The buildings you see on our site (including the bus shelter) were built in the 1930s. Sadly, due to construction difficulties the ‘old’ church was built with some serious flaws which resulted in its fairly rapid deterioration over subsequent years. To rectify the faults would cost over £3.5 million so in July 2003 the ‘old’ church, as it is now referred to, was declared ‘redundant.’ This paved the way for us to move here, which we did in July 2004. It is not clear what will happen to the old church.
The 'new' building gives us great flexibility to ‘do’ church in a variety of ways. It allows us to be more easily identified as a ‘centre of community’ by the wider community as both church groups and community groups meet in the same building. We are enhancing its faciltiies, as the above shows and there is more we want to do. Things take time and money, but as we have shown over the last four years, all things are possible!
Work still continues!
Work still continues to refurbish the first floor into a self contained display/performance/conference area and kitchen. We are also seeking to further develop the stage area for use as an active stage. A lighting rig has been put in with lots of space to add to. With direct access at the back of the stage to the Lower Hall (completed last year) there is ample space for small 'one act' productions to work well. The hall holds a maximum of 200 seats.