PLANS to build a new £1.7 million multi-purpose church and community centre in Bingham have moved a step closer after being given the thumbs-up by residents and town councillors.
All that's left now is for a planning application, which has been 12 years in the making, to be approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council. A decision is expected by June 15.
If approved, Bingham Methodist Church's new headquarters will be built on its old site in Union Street and will provide space for community groups such as the Women's Guild and University of the Third Age, as well as being used for both Catholic and Methodist services on a Sunday.
Money for the project has been raised over the course of more than a decade through the church's BReAD appeal – Bingham Reconstruction and Development.
Fundraisers have included fairs and coffee mornings as well as the sale of a cookbook of parishioners' favourite recipes. "We've been raising money for the whole 12 years but it has really picked up pace in the last 18 months," said steering group treasurer Peter Broekuizen. "In that time, we've gone from £200,000 to £1.7 million – I think it's because people can see that the community centre really could be a reality now.
"Although we have now raised the full sum through very generous donations, fundraising and some bank loans, we are still collecting money for fixtures and fittings.
"The centre will be a space for everyone in the community to use, which is something that is missing in Bingham at the moment."
The project has received backing from Bingham Town Council and residents raised no objections to the proposals. Once full planning permission is secured, work is provisionally set to begin from December 1 and should be completed in time for Christmas celebrations the following year.
The plans feature a large hall with three smaller meeting rooms, and an entrance space with tables and chairs. There will also be better disabled people's access.
While the church is closed, the Methodists will meet every Sunday at neighbouring St Mary and All Saints, in East Street.
The Rev Richard Tanner said: "Fourteen years after we first had the vision to create a new church and community centre in the heart of Bingham, we are nearly there. With our town rapidly expanding, the facilities we can provide are going to be needed more than ever. We are really excited about the possibilities."
To contribute to the fund, visit www.justgiving.com/BMCbread.
What great news is happening in your town or village? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
