Every one is different

Over the last year or so Church Growth Trust (CGT) has been gifted or appointed sole trustee of 12 different properties and every one is unique. This makes life interesting as different situations often bring unique challenges.

The challenge might be the condition of the property. This was the case with West Street Gospel Hall, Hucknall, a “temporary” building that has a lot of asbestos, including guttering that is literally falling off the building, singleglazed metal windows that are at the end of their life and electrics that may need some major work. With the assembly closing at the time that the property was gifted to CGT, finding a new church tenant that is willing to work with CGT on the repairs, as well as the compliance issues with the property, has been difficult. The Lord however has provided a church and priorities on the work have been agreed.

Hey Street Evangelical Church, Cleethorpes was a property with a number of issues and CGT thought that it might be a problem to find a new church to occupy the building. This was partly due to the size, as it is an old workshop that has been converted to church use, but can only seat approximately 40 people. The layout also did not work, as the WCs were accessed from outside and the front of the building looked tired. Church Growth Trust was delighted when One Church Grimsby took on the building and are making the most of it. CGT is working closely with them and has drawn up plans and specifications for work to transform the building. The fully accessible WC is now accessed from inside the building, the kitchen has been refurbished, the worship area has been given a new lease of life and the front of the building now looks much more attractive and welcoming.

New frontage of building - Hey Street Church, Cleethorpes

Taking on properties that are not compliant with legislation, particularly in relation to disability access and the Equality Act, is also a challenge. Hilmarton Chapel near Calne already had a WC, but this was not fully accessible. Drawing up plans and working with the church and contractor has enabled the church to come up with a cost-effective and simple solution.

Hillmarton Chapel, Calne - proposed plan

One property in Nottingham where the trustees started speaking with CGT six or seven years ago was recently gifted, at the point where the existing church decided to close. A new church has been found to occupy the building, but are already struggling for space, particularly for their children’s work. CGT has been working with them to consider different options for extending the building.

Providence Baptist Church, Westbury

Providence Baptist Church, Westbury are looking at renewing the heating in the building and CGT, who are now the sole trustee of the property trust, have been advising on the different types of heating systems that would be suitable for various parts of the building.

Every property and every situation are different and as Giles Arnold, CGT’s Chief Executive, says, “we enjoy the challenge that each new property brings with it. In many ways this is precisely why trustees want Church Growth Trust to hold their properties.

With our property, architectural and surveying experience, we are able to work with our occupying churches to find the best solution to each challenge, to help them to deal with these. There is never a dull moment!”

Working with the Fellowship Property Trust, FIEC’s trusteeship services, to take on a number of trusteeships, continues to generate a lot of work. This has so far included taking on six owned and sole trusteeship properties, nine holding trusteeships and there are still a further 17 trusteeships to take on over the next six months, along with a considerable number of other properties and trusteeships where CGT are being asked to help.

If you think Church Growth Trust can help you with your property or trusteeship issues, please contact Giles Arnold on 01536 647164 or email giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk.