Building Development Project Plans

Activities & Partners
The proposal for the John Fawcett Centre is to adapt the current buildings to provide purpose-built accommodation that meets the needs and requirements of different stakeholders and satisfies the vision and aims for The John Fawcett Centre.

Initial consultation with different interested partners suggests that the Centre could offer a comprehensive range of services and activities for the all ages, disability, different faith groups and those from disadvantaged socio-economic groups.

Discussions with partners are ongoing and it is likely that the range of services will expand and develop over time: 
- Housing for young people moving from care into independent living
- Associated training and support facilities for these young people
- 'Rainbow Kids' community childrens play group + parent facility
- Community garden, with childrens play area, 'allotments' & seating
- Community hub, display/exhibition space and café area (daytime)
- 'Street Angels' area for vulnerable young people (weekends)
- Coffee morning & social activities for senior adults
- Professional counseling and meditation services
- Community 'sanctuary' room for prayer & reflection
- Non-conformist heritage trail and exhibition area
- Performing arts stage, lighting and rehearsal space
- Visual arts workshop space and display areas
- Christian worship and public meeting area
- Conference space, including plenary & break-out sessions
- Office services for social enterprises and other centre users
- Poetry, dance, astronomy, slimming and other current community activities



Building Phase 1
The initial building work is primarily intended to safeguard the structure by replacing the roof and to reduce the prohibitive costs of heating by replacing the redundant boiler and removing asbestos. In addition, redecoration of the community rooms and refurbishment of the kitchenette at the rear of the church will enable extended use of these facilities.

Building Phase 2
The garden area between the old minister's house and the main road is currently largely obscured, unattractive and completely unused. The intention is to create a beautiful and useful garden space to enhance this important part of the town centre. This will include a safe children's play area, community 'allotment' areas and seating spaces away from the busy main road and shopping streets.

Building Phase 3
The old minister's house is physically separate from the chapel and the intention is to develop the building as a self-contained social housing project. This will hopefully extend an existing local authority 'foyer' programme to provide temporary, supported accommodation for 5-6 young people moving towards independent living.

Building Phase 4
The most significant phase of development, this involves major changes to the main chapel area and the creation of completely new spaces to support a number of distinctive services. Discussions with English Heritage have clarified their priorities and indicated a possible route for development that would maximise community use of the space and 'enable separate use of the upper area while retaining an understanding of the original volume of the worship space.'