Park Lane church conversion unveiled
Bold plans to transform St Peter’s Methodist Church on Park Lane have been drawn up. The existing church would be re-designed, including a large theatre space for choirs, music or drama. Part of the buildings would be knocked down for flats and a cafe with outdoor seating. The church’s mission is to re-engage with the local community, drawing people back through its doors.
The new plans see the large existing church converted, bringing all the current activities under one roof. A coffee bar with outdoor seating would become the “welcome area” at the front of the church, while the ground floor would be divided into a space for worship, an area for a lunch club and a room for St Peter’s Pre-School. A mezzanine floor would provide 120 seating space for choirs, drama and music, as well as doubling as an area for sports activities.
Tony Davies, spokesperson for the church council says: “We have a church which holds four hundred, but a congregation of about forty.” “We have always been a community church but in some ways we have lost our link to the community. It’s important to re-engage with the community.”
The existing Pre-School, church hall and foyer would be demolished to make way for 13 flats overlooking a paved courtyard area. St Peter’s Pre-School expanded in September and provides places for over 100 children aged 2-5 across the day. Church members met to discuss the proposals last night, giving assurances to the Pre-School that they will have a place within the new structure. An underground car park would be built with space for 18 cars.
The plans, drawn up by Reynolds Jury Architecture have yet to be costed or formally submitted to Norwich City Council. The development could take up to five years as the church applies to various bodies for funding. The outline plans are available to view in the church foyer.
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