A church in the centre of Ollerton is on the way to achieving its dream of becoming a community hub for the area.
Pastor Mike Phillips outside the Lifespring Church. (150711JT1-14)
Building work is under way to create a 200-seat auditorium and a redesigned entrance area at Lifespring Church on Sherwood Drive.
The aim is to create a space that can be used by the whole community, and to provide activities for all different age groups.
The church leader, Pastor Mike Phillips, said: “After I joined the church in 2005 we began to develop a vision for community involvement, with the church getting out into the community and the community coming to us.
“The church is already very well used, to such an extent that it is not fit for purpose. For example, we serve a lot of food and the kitchen is not adequate.”
The redeveloped church will be in use seven days a week and host events such as luncheon clubs, film nights, and parent and toddler sessions.
The auditorium is being built next to the current church building, and a glass fronted entrance porch will be constructed at the front.
A door will be cut into the patterned glass at the front of the church, creating a spectacular entrance.
A community café will be created in the existing church building, along with a small hall and two meeting rooms.
Mr Phillips said: “For a town like Ollerton, it will make a big difference because at the moment we don’t have a community hub.
“There are various smaller meeting places but nothing all in one place. It will do a lot for community cohesion.
“It will truly be for all ages and generations with all kinds of activities going on.
“It is like giving birth to a dream and it is fantastic. We could not have done it without the help and support of people in the church and in the community.”
Mr Phillips said he was especially pleased with the design for the entrance.
“I see it as the church inviting the community in, and the community itself being able to see in,” he said.
The project has cost £630,000, of which nearly £440,000 has come from the Community Builders Scheme. The church has raised £70,000, and is putting in a bid to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for the rest.
A new charitable company, Global Community Connect, has been created to oversee the development and community work of the church. One of its board members is Carmel Heathcote, the former town mayor
Infrastructure work is due to finish in October, and it is hoped the hub will be ready to open in January next year.
