History of the ‘Building in Faith’ project

 History of the ‘Building in Faith’ project.

The congregation at Handsworth Methodist Church had a vision to provide up-to-date modern facilities that would enable easy access throughout the building and provide a resource for the ongoing work of the church and much needed facilities for the wider community of Handsworth. 

2001 - The congregation commissioned the architects Birkett, Cole and Lowe to carry out a feasibility study for redeveloping the premises. Plans were drawn and presented to the congregation for new frontage onto Handsworth Road, a lift, redevelopment of main lower hall with  kitchen facilities and fully accessible toilets at an overall cost of £350,000.

Spring 2002 The ‘Building in Faith’ project was launched. Fund raising commenced through local efforts and appeals to outside grant making bodies.

2006 – Costs were escalating and although the congregation were making steady progress towards their target of £100,000, there was little response from outside funding bodies. It was decided to appoint a professional fund raiser to help with the project.

May 2007 - With the estimated project cost having escalated to £500,000 the professional advice was to apply for Lottery funding as the only way to achieve such a significant figure.

Nov 2008 - After nearly 18 months and getting to stage 2 of the Lottery application process, in the end we were told that our bid was unsuccessful.

Spring 2009 - After careful consideration by the Church Council it was decided the only way to achieve a financially viable scheme was to utilise the sanctuary as a multi-use space for mid-week groups, thus alleviating the need for costly renovation of the lower main hall. This new scheme focused on developing the upper level of the building to provide the facilities that were required and included; street level access, new toilet facilities at upper level, a new kitchen at upper level adjacent to the sanctuary and level access throughout the upper level. The cost of the new scheme was estimated to be £264,000.

2009 – In anticipation of the forthcoming building work, pews were taken out and sold and the congregation raised £4,000 in a ‘Sponsor a Chair’ project which allowed flexible use of the sanctuary space.

Spring 2010 - With the help of an environmental grant from Sheffield City Council a suspended ceiling was installed with the immediate benefit of saving heating costs! 

July 2010- With continued fund raising by the local congregation, and generous support from outside grant making bodies the  funding for the full £264,000 was secured. Plans were initiated to start the tender process and the congregation considered the implications of what it would entail for them whilst building work is taking place.

Nov 2010 – After the tender process a contractor has been appointed and will commence work in November with a completion date of Easter 2011.