Open for business and continuing to fundraise

After starting in May 2011 the work to develop the former brick and stone Edwardian buildings have taken almost a year. Probably the most noticeable feature is the glass-fronted redevelopment which includes a huge welcome area and a bright performance and worship space for around 300 people.

Jane Brookes, Project Co-ordinator and church member said:

"The Church has worked in careful consideration with our members, premises users and neighbours to develop the original plans that have lead us to the fantastic facility that we see today. "LRBC has transformed its complex which now fronts onto the four surrounding roads, we hope that the new building is attractive and reflects the welcoming nature of the congregation."

The church occupies a unique site in the heart of Leigh surrounded by four roads - Leigh Road, Chalkwell Park Drive, Marguerite Drive and Pall Mall. The modern addition to the traditional church building has cost more than £1million, so far more than 70 per cent of it has been collected by fundraising events and kind donations from church members, and the fundraising continues. The Baptist Union of Great Britain also helped with a loan to fund the renovation and the Cory Environmental Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Allchurches Trust and Rosca Trust have also given money to the project

The work has also renovated the areas used by the LRBC Pre-school, as well as the community events hall and other meeting rooms.

At the end of February 2012 children attending the church pre-school moved into the newly designed space which includes a safe outside garden area to play in.

The church has been open as usual throughout the building work to offer Sunday services and other regular weekly activities for hundreds of local people.

Rev Steven Hembery, LRBC Minister commented:

"Our prayer is that this inviting new landmark will build upon over 100 years of service in our community. This new facility will help us to welcome those in our neighbourhood more fully."

More details of the continued fund-raising efforts  can be read at www.lrbc.org.uk/build

The above video was produced for the opening weekend as a way of showing the church journey to this point in terms or premises and buildings.