Sheringham church seeks to expand play zone

Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham wants to extend its building in order to accommodate a larger Soft Play zone, and is raising funds to achieve this goal. Tony Rothe reports.

The free soft play space is the only facility of its kind in Sheringham and is provided for the benefit of the community as part of the outreach of the church, alongside Lighthouse café.
 
The play area is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10.30am to 2.30pm and can currently accommodate up to 15 parents or carers with their pre-school children. It has become so popular that it is often full to capacity and the staff sometimes have to restrict numbers entering.
 
The team at Lighthouse are hoping to extend the building to provide a larger facility for families to enjoy. The extension will increase floor space in the soft play area by over a third, allowing the church to include additional equipment suitable for older children up to age 7. There is also an intention to install a new sensory area for children with additional needs.
 
Planning permission has already been granted for the necessary work. Latest quotes from building contractors suggest it will cost around £95k to achieve the entire project.
 
Martyn Barr, Lighthouse treasurer, said “We have already held a number of fundraising events to support the project, and more are planned. By spring 2024, these – along with donations from church partners and café customers – have helped us to raise over £16k. We will also be approaching relevant funding bodies for assistance. Our aim is to complete the build by the end of 2025.”
 
Maggie Rothe, café manager, said “We see Lighthouse Café and soft play area, alongside our ThreadBear shop selling pre-loved children’s clothes and toys, as providing vital outreach into our local community. We intend to continue to provide this soft play facility free of charge for Lighthouse Cafe customers.”
 
There are a number of ways individuals can donate to the project:

• Cash or cheque (made payable to Lighthouse Community Church)

• Visit the JustGiving page
  
• Sumup: pay by credit/debit card
 
The photo of the current soft play area is courtesy of Martyn Barr.
The plans of the proposed extension are courtesy of SMG architects.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.