Plans are revealed for £2.3m church building (From Barry And District News)

Plans are revealed for £2.3m church building

AMBITIOUS plans to build a £2.3 million community church building have been revealed.

Last week's Waterfront Weekender gave church leaders the chance to unveil a computer generated image of the site at Holton Reach. The church would be built in the shape of a ship with two floors of meeting space.

One end of the building will be designated for worship but there are also plans for a nursery, meeting places and general community facilities.

The church will combine two places or worship - Windsor Road United Reform Church and Porthkerry Methodist Church.

Porthkerry Road Superintendent Reverend Alfred Williams told the News: "We are working together with the United Reform Church and want the community to be able to use the building.

"It will not just be for the parishioners of the two churches because there will be space for groups to hold their own events."

Reverend Irfon James from United Reform Church said: "We want the church to be a part of the community. There will be more than a place of worship on the site. We want to be able to provide certain services as well."

A number of fundraising ideas have been tried over the past four years since the concept was thought up.

In the year 2000 the fund was just £4,000 and it grew to £50,000. A bill of £22,000 for architects' fees has diminished the amount and other bills are expected to deplete the money further.

An Action Plan document is being put together and if funding is forthcoming the project will begin in spring 2005. The finish date for the project is September 2006.

The Methodist Church has plans for the Porthkerry Road buildings. They want to turn the newer site into a foyer project for young people from 16-25 years. It will be a secure start for youngsters leaving National Children's Homes or other organisations and may be an educational as well as recreational area with residential flats.

Holton Reach has sparked a lot of interest with many groups already. Barry College, NCH and the police also want to have a special area for them to use.