For 30 years, our Church Centre has been a hub of church and community activity. It offers a welcoming space in the middle of Southbourne, used throughout the week by a variety of groups. However, after 30 year,s there are several aspects that need repair, and which could be an even safer and more useful space. We would love to improve and develop our Church and Centre buildings to offer even more to the people of Southbourne over the next 30 years and beyond!
Current Issues that we can solve:
- No toilet on the upper floor
- Safeguarding challenges for growing youth and children’s groups
- A leaking roof
- Irregular main hall layout
- Almost inoperable windows and blinds
- Difficult access from the car park
- No direct access from the Church to the Centre
- A lack of space and storage
- A general need of revitalising the space, making it fit for today and the next 30 years.
Opportunities that we can create (Phase 1):
- A new layout in the upstairs hall with a new accessible toilet, so that hall users do not need to go downstairs.
- Additional Custom-built cupboards to store equipment used for groups such as toddlers, craft club and more.
- New windows and blinds that are easily operated to regulate temperature and allow for improved use by film club and other users.
- Converting the existing Gents and Disabled toilets downstairs into 3 individual toilets. Making safer spaces for children and adults.
- New glass insert back doors that allow accessible entry from the car park into the Centre.
- A welcoming, and accessible space upstairs that prepares for further developments in Phase 2…
And that lays the groundwork for further developments later in Phase 2:
Once Phase 1 is complete, this will allow us to begin planning for Phase 2, which includes building a new extension to the north of the church, providing:
- More toilets (directly accessible from the church and centre), a new office and a prayer room.
- Repositioning the Centre staircase, moving the front doors out in line with the lounge to provide a spacious open area in the foyer for larger groups.
- Direct access from the car park for church and community users.
Can you support this project?
Click here to make an online donation (a small fee is taken by the card supplier)
Or by cheque or Bank Payment to:
The PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney’
Reference: ‘Development Project’
Sort Code: 30-93-97
Account Number: 01402574
Please also share with others who might be able to support this project.