On top of the hill and at the heart of the Community

1. Aim:
 
The concept phase of this project has highlighted not only the need to update a building relatively unchanged for 132 years but also the opportunity for the church to re-engage interactively at the heart of the community in responding to the changing needs of our society.

The aim of the Portsdown Parish Centre is to make more effective use of church buildings for the benefit of the congregation and wider community, building additional facilities where required in order to provide services for those in need irrespective of faith, whilst updating church facilities for the congregation.

2. Objectives:
 

The assessment phase of this project has reinforced the potential for this “church” community to improve its capability to “Work for Wellbeing” in the community and support other agencies in doing so thus filling some identified gaps in provision.

	To upgrade and adapt existing buildings and add new facilities in response to identified needs
	To develop partnerships in providing services for vulnerable groups and individuals in the community; particularly - young people, the elderly and others who lack support, feel isolated or lonely
	To provide for more inclusive, accessible and flexible worship
	To create open, welcoming and accessible facilities offering a range of defined support and fellowship opportunities.

3. Summary of Project:

The project consists of four main elements:

	Adjustments to the internal area of the church to improve access, space and flexibility of use; creation of a small chapel and administrative office within the building and improved lighting, heating, communication and audio-visual systems.
	Construction of new community facilities within the footprint of the church, as far as is possible, consisting of toilets, kitchen, small and medium sized meeting rooms and storage areas.
	Creation of a new main entrance into the building
	Enhancement of the D-Day memorial at the west end of the church.
	All stages of the project seek to engage with the local community and those caring agencies already working within it.

4. Research and audit findings:

1. Research reveals that to many people ‘church’ is seen to be on the margins of society and of little relevance to modern life. Changes in family and social structure leave many people more isolated. This church community, whilst having a good record of mission overseas, has yet to fulfil its’ mission potential within the wider local community although much good work is done.

2. There is wide support for the updating and enhancement of existing buildings and provision for essential facilities i.e. toilets and kitchen, storage and office spaces.

3. Ministry research supports the need to develop our capability to support vulnerable groups and individuals within the wider community.

4. Community audits reveal the need for community facilities and in developing partnerships to provide a range of support services as well as social activity.

5. Opportunities:

	As the main provider of community facilities in the area this is the ideal time to review what we offer and adapt in response to social trends.
	Creating more flexible spaces such that they may be used more effectively.
	The project will facilitate the opening up of buildings for use 7 days a week.
	As the only church of any denomination in the parish, to demonstrate the value of Christian ministry in meeting some real needs in the wider community.
	Engaging a wider section of the community in supporting those within it who may be disadvantaged.
	Sharing of facilities through partnership with caring organisations to better meet the needs of the community.
	An enthusiasm for growth, development and pastoral care.
	The military history of the church, the connection with D Day and the natural environment give a unique interest to this site.
	The Diocesan initiative – Kairos provides a framework and support at this time for projects such as this.

6. Weaknesses addressed:
 

	The inflexibility of the space in the existing church building.
	Limited public access to parish buildings.
	Poor access for disabled people.
	Inadequate provision of spaces for meetings, young persons’ activities, quiet contemplation, administration, counselling, storage and refreshment provision.
	No toilet facilities adjacent to the church.
	An austere exterior approach and dark entrance to the building.
	Lack of awareness in the community of the role the church can play in giving support to those who may be disadvantaged in some way.

7. Project Overview:

7.1 The project is made up of five stages: Concept, Assessment, Detailed Design, Build and Acceptance. Detail of activities within these stages is contained within the Level 1 Project Programme. The build stage of the project is scheduled to commence in 2007, last about 9 months with completion in2008. This will very much depend on the necessary funding being available.

7.2 Management and Staffing: The project is managed by a Leadership Team (PLT). The Project Coordinator oversees the day to day activities of the project, coordinating the work of the key activity areas i.e. Fundraising, Design and Build, Communications and Finance Control. Each of these activity areas is led by a member of the PLT. The team is assisted by the Vicar of Portsdown, two Churchwardens and a Governance Consultant. External professionals are employed as needed. The project is currently supported by The Lorica Finance and Development Trust and Daniel Forshaw – the Architect. “The Portsdown Centre Trust” a company limited by guarantee is being registered for charitable status in order to better enable fundraising for and management of, the community aspects of the project. Full details of the management structure and terms of reference of key personnel and groups can be found in the Business Plan.

On completion of the project it is likely that the centre will require paid staff to carry out necessary management/administration functions and to keep the premises clean. Volunteers will be needed to fulfil various other roles.

7.3 Resources: The current estimate to complete this project as defined in the updated outline plan is £500,000. The parish has made available a reserve of approx £64K and fundraising was officially launched in April 2004. The full fundraising strategy and plan can be seen in the Business Plan. On completion, a level of income from lettings will be set to cover the running costs of the centre.

7.4 Risks: A risk management document is included in the business plan. This details the identified risk, its’ likely impact on the project and the control that may be exercised to minimise the risk. The risk of main concern throughout is likely to be lack of finance.

7.5 Quality and Evaluation: All outcomes will be measured against defined quality criteria and the objectives of the project. The members of the PLT will carry out a 6 monthly evaluation of progress and the effectiveness of the management of the project. Changes will be made as necessary to overcome any weaknesses or omissions identified.

8. Conclusions:

This project is one of the most important and exciting developments that has taken place in the Parish of Portsdown since the church was built here in 1874. This unique opportunity is being taken to respond to the significant social change that has taken place over a number of decades and to provide facilities that will support the work of the church and other caring agencies into the 21st Century. This project is fully supported by the Parochial Church Council and a number of external organisations who provide important services within the community and who seek to develop these services through partnering with the Portsdown Centre Trust.

SJGill Issue4 12June06