Open for Community

Aim

Our project "Open for Community" will upgrade our 1874 premises, reduce our carbon footprint and improve environmental sustainability.

Grange Methodist Church was built in 1874 - a time when accessibility was not considered particularly important and the carbon footprint had not been invented.  People with mobility issues who couldn’t climb steps simply didn’t come in.  And people didn't know, let alone worry, about climate change.

However, the building was in a prime location right in the centre of the town which has grown up around it over the past 149 years.  Today it is a busy venue for community and church groups running activities that benefit the whole town.  It is a place where everyone is welcome.

But it is still difficult to get in if you are a wheelchair user.  It is cold and inconvenient to use the antiquated toilets.  It isn’t really possible to get into the kitchen if you don’t happen to be the group in the main hall.  The gas-guzzling boiler is a period piece and the lighting is inefficient.

 So what are we doing about all of this?    

 “Open for Community” is our exciting redevelopment vision for the premises.  It is a project that will make the whole building accessible, user-friendly and welcoming.  At the same time it will reduce our carbon footprint and help us become a more responsible “Eco Church”.  In particular the project will:

 - Provide a new entrance that everyone will be able to use, which will give easy access to all the rooms and facilities

- Install a proper wheelchair ramp that meets current regulations

- Equip the building with new toilets and shower

- Put in a new, central kitchen that can be used by groups in all the rooms

- Increase the number and size range of rooms available for use

- Upgrade the boiler, heating and lighting systems to improve environmental sustainability

Our vision is on a grand scale and has a price tag to match.  We are trying to raise £887,240 to make our project come to life.  The good news is that we are over half way there!  We have planning permission and aim to start work in September 2024.  But we need a bit more to get us over the finishing line and that’s why we are hoping you can help us. Through the generosity of Aviva’s Community Fund, your donation via this page of up to £250 will be match funded.  So your gift will be doubled!!

Please help us to help the people of Grange and the future of our climate.

Thank you!

This project successfully funded on 4th May 2023