Community hub proposal for Norfolk church

2010: A major re-development appeal has been launched to transform St Michael's Church in Reepham into a building which can be used by everyone at the heart of the community.

 

The former Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Tony Foottit, a member of the church at Reepham, launched the appeal at St Michael's on March 19.

 

Reepham churchyard is unique in that it originally contained three churches. Two of the three remain, of which St Michael's is one (St Mary's being the other). Following long consultation, plans are in place to transform the church into a space suitable for community use throughout the week as well as for worship on Sundays.

The plans include a new staircase to give access to an extended mezzanine, a well-equipped community kitchen with a purpose designed servery and toilets with proper facilities for disabled people.

 

A sustainable ground source underfloor heating system is something the church is particularly proud of, and St Michael's is thought to be the first church in the Diocese of Norwich to demonstrate its green credentials in this way.

The improvements will mean that the church can once more be the hub of community life, and wedding celebrations, presentations and exhibitions and a drop-in centre are seen as potential future uses.

The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd James Langstaff said: "This project is one which will bring benefit all round. The church will gain a wonderful space for its worship and its work of service to the town, and the town will receive a much improved facility for activities of many kinds. At the same time this historic building will be sustained for future generations. I'm delighted to endorse this project."