Spalding church's exciting plans for former methodist church
A former church will once again be making a difference to the South Holland community under new plans.
Members of St Norbert's Church are putting together plans to transform the former St Thomas Methodist Church building into a crèche and a community hub.
As part of Project St Thomas, the committee is hoping to ensure that disadvantaged children receive a free meal during the holidays.
St Norbert's purchased the building in November 2018 thanks to a generous donation by parishoner Peter Borst.
Parish priest Fr Jim Burke said 36 nearby residents had come along to a consultation earlier this month and that more sessions will be held later in the spring.
He said: "It was so pleasing to watch everyone engage in the activities we had set, and they came up with some creative ideas, which we will explore – hopefully, with their help.
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"I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who attended the meetings and those who are still contacting us, and encourage them to keep in touch with us."
Under the current proposals are plans to appoint an established nursery in part of the building, in order to provide an income.
The committee is also hoping to provide a changing places facility with specially adapted toilets.
A community cafe to create a friendly place for people to eat at an affordable cost is also on the cards.
The committee is also hoping to ensure that children who receive free school meals will receive at least one free meal during the holidays. Bakkavor and Manor Fresh of Holbeach have shown interest.
Fr Jim said: "With such tremendous support, we will be able to do much more than we ever imagined possible."
There are also hopes to instal a mezzanine floor to create a number of rooms to be used for various groups and projects.
The committee is also working with South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Service on the project.
The project will also be used as a base for the Santa Marta project to tackle human trafficking.