THE BEACON OF LANSDOWN PROJECT is a challenging, multi-million pound project to create a building not just for today, but for tomorrow and countless days thereafter. For the building to survive it must be more than a Bath skyline landmark. It needs to be fully used, community centred and a hub of financially sustainable activity and worship.
So what is the Project?
OUR AIM is to respect and rejoice in the historical beauty of our current church while also embracing the future by providing facilities which can host a wide range of activities including
* worship - from reflective to celebratory, from traditional to innovative with all being inclusive offering a warm welcome to everyone.
* community groups and activities - with our outreach embracing all ages from tots to teens, through to those in their twilight years. A particular focus is working to expand our current groups which offer support to those with particular needs - people living alone, carers and anyone struggling with memory issues and associated challenges.
* events.- music performances and rehearsals, talks and workshops, and life event celebrations.
OUR NEED is to return the church to its former glory and heritage
* Repair - the structural issues relating to subsidence need urgent attention, and are currently being monitored.
* Restore - urgent upgrades are required to our electrics, plumbing, heating, lighting, AV, acoustics, kitchen facilities, and toilets. All need to be brought up to 21st century standards. Importantly the building and its facilities need to made totally accessible and sustainable, eco-friendly and cost effective to maintain. Our aim is to be an eco Beacon embracing modern sustainability.
* Re-imagine - our vision is for a light filled, spacious and flexibly designed building able to adapt to multiple community activities, events and worship needs. We dream of a fully accessible building, of a welcoming foyer, an architecturally lit church, an atmospheric Church Centre, a streamlined kitchen and multiple toilets!
Above all, we yearn for wide open doors to welcome and embrace everyone in times of celebration, consolation and Christian rejoicing.
OUR FUNDING needs will be substantial. Heritage buildings are challenging and building costs are moving ever upwards.
We need . . .
* Seed funding - we must raise in excess of £100,000 to cover essentail upfront costs including professional fees for architects, planning, structural engineering and heritage advice. This money will need to be raised from local sources - our loyal congregation, community supporters and local philanthropists.
* Project funding - this is very much in the 'guesstimate' region of £3 - £4 million pounds which we will aim to source from Trusts and associated fund-granting bodies.
These are eye-watering sums and the current economic climate is harsh.
SO HOW ARE WE APPROACHING ALL THIS?
With hard work, determination and a hopeful focus on an exciting future for our much loved Beacon of Lansdown as a legacy to the present and future community.
Above all, we go forward with prayer, our faith in the Lord and the profound belief that we are doing this in the name of Christ, and for the love of God who embraces us all.
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