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.
Labels: news, Opening, video