Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has started work at St Johns Church, Broadstone, where works will be undertaken in a phased construction method as part of the church’s NorthReach Project. Phase 1 will comprise of a north annex to the existing church and a main annex with atrium and multi-purpose space, together with associated office, kitchen/servery, general storage and toilet accommodation. A plantroom will be formed in the existing basement. In addition, there will be alterations to the extant church fabric at the interface with the proposed annexes.
Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction commented: “The Phase 1 contract work will also include modifications to existing services and to the existing surface water drainage, and a new foul water drainage connection to the public sewer in Tudor Road. Additionally, phase 1 will see modifications to provide vehicular and pedestrian access from Dunyeats Road, disabled parking, cycle storage and the formation of a principal access, with steps and a ramp to the main annexe. The main church will remain operational during the construction contract. Partial phasing will be required, including temporary protection to various parts of the existing building and external areas. It is a pleasure to be working on a new community project right on our door step.”
The NorthReach project has been made possible by the sale of one of the church-owned buildings on the Waterloo estate which raised £777,000, with a condition that the money would be used for a capital project at the Broadstone site. The project has been further financed and supported with grants from All Churches Trust, Erskine Muton Trust and the Laing Family Trust, together with a grant from The Talbot Village Trust and pledges from Garfield Weston Foundation and The Glaziers Trust.
Once completed, the NorthReach project will benefit the church hugely, as its existing parish hall is currently rented out full-time by a local pre-school. The new annex will not only enable the church to run its own activities, but also provide a facility for local groups to use.
The Revd Helen Bailey, Vicar of St John's, said; “We are so pleased with the work Greendale has undertaken for us so far, and impressed at how they have worked hard to help us stay open as a church during the build. The new annex not only gives us essential facilities for our children's work, socials, and meetings, but we are excited about the local community support we can offer at such a difficult time for so many people. This will be a real hub of activity at the heart of Broadstone.”