ISLANDERS, businesses and donors are being urged to back a £12 million fundraising drive to create a new community centre at a church in St Lawrence.
The call from St Matthew’s congregation comes after revised plans to build a “Hope Centre” at the Grade 1-listed building were approved earlier this year.
Originally built in 1840 and widely known as the “Glass Church”, St Matthew’s was extensively renovated in 1934 and is renowned for its interior, featuring glasswork by French designer René Lalique.
The plans, originally submitted in March 2023 before being withdrawn and resubmitted on a smaller scale, will see the demolition of the existing church hall, built in 1954 and an adjacent cottage and vicarage, replacing these buildings with the community centre.
The two-storey structure will include a café, large auditorium for events and activities, meeting rooms, and facilities for young people.
Reverend Phil Warren, vicar at St Matthew’s for the past 21 years, said they were aiming to provide “a vessel of hope”, where residents can find “belonging, support, and a sense of community”.
“This is a community thing,” he said. “Our strapline for the vision is: ‘In the community, for the community, serving the community’.
“At the heart of it is a vision to create a modern, inclusive, sustainable centre that serves the needs of our parish and Island for generations to come.”
The fundraising appeal will be launched on Sunday 21 September with a community event from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, featuring stalls, activities, food vans and entertainment.
Donations can be made via bank transfer, standing order, or through a QR code linked to the Hope Centre website, which is due to go live this weekend.
The church office can also provide digital and printed brochures with full details.
