For over 250 years successive congregations in Hampstead have had the vision and commitment to build and extend our church to meet the changing spiritual needs of their community. Now we are bursting at the seams again! We do not have enough space for our own growing Sunday School, or for the numerous local groups and clubs who need access to affordable meeting space. And the 20 year old facilities in our vestry building are in need of refurbishment and improvement.
Over the past two years the PCC has been discussing the best way of improving our accommodation to make it fit for purpose in the 21st century. We are almost at the limit of what we can achieve through piecemeal improvements, so we have been considering a more ambitious 5 year plan in three stages.
First, this year, we intend to refurbish and improve the ground floor of the vestry and undercroft. This area contains the rooms used most by the church and the local community. We will increase the toilet and kitchen accommodation, upgrade storage, heating and lighting, and improve the church heating system and organ air supply.
Second, we plan to create a new clergy vestry at the side of the Lady Chapel and upgrade the parish office. And third, within 5 years, we want to change the entrance and layout of the upper floor of the vestry building and insert another floor above the present parish office and choir vestry. These changes will make a more flexible and attractive space for the church and community to meet, and will create four new meeting rooms. But it will take time for us to raise sufficient funds (��m for all three stages).
The PCC will be asked to make the decision to go out to tender for the first stage works at its meeting at the end of the month. A final decision will be taken once tenders are back either at the annual parish meeting in April or the PCC meeting in May. The work will involve closing the ground floor for the summer term and holiday, and we have found alternative accommodation for our regular groups.
This first stage will cost up to �180,000. The church can contribute �100,000 from past fund-raising and donations. However, we need to raise at least another �80,000 over the next 2/3 months – from the congregation, local and London charities, and public support. Although it may seem strange to appeal for money in the shadow of a recession, it is a very good time to commission building works. Prices now are much lower than they have been for many years or than we expect in the future.
Will you help? With faith and vision we can build for the future of our community. If every member of the Electoral Roll or the regular congregation was to donate an average of �100 we would be able to go ahead with these initial improvements. Some may not be able to contribute this amount, and others will be able to contribute more. We are planning a Gift Day at the end of February, and you will receive a letter about this very soon.
There is more information about our plans in the display at the back of church and on our website – click here. If you have any questions, please ask the clergy or churchwardens, or speak to Peter Ginnings (Buildings committee) or Charles Perrin (Finance committee). As the work progresses we will put regular updates in the magazine and on the website.
With many thanks.
Building for the Future