Plan for new church centre to be 'vessel of hope'

The plan includes knocking down the St Matthew's church hall, vicarage and outbuildings

The vicar of a church in Jersey known for glass work by French artist Rene Lalique has applied to knock down the nearby church hall, vicarage and outbuildings to create a new community centre.

The plan for St Matthew's Church on St Aubin's inner road, leaves the listed church itself untouched.

The Reverend Phil Warren has applied to build a new two-storey building with two one-bedroom flats and a cafe.

A supporting document in the planning application outlines how the community centre is "restricted" by outdated buildings, limited space, and poor resources and facilities.

'Somewhere to go'

Mr Warren said: "There is so much more that we could do in, and for, our growing community with a modern, accessible, disability-friendly and welcoming space where anyone and everyone can bring their families, children, neighbours and loved ones, and know there is someone for them and somewhere to go."

He said the centre would be a "vessel of hope" which would ensure a "positive and lasting future" for the church as site of special interest.

The centre is run largely by volunteers and currently helps about 150 people a week through community events and activities, Mr Warren said.

Groups include Dementia Jersey and Macmillan coffee mornings.

He said they were not currently able to host some potential groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and toddler sessions, due to limitations of the facilities, but predicted a four-fold increase in footfall within two years of the project's completion.

The vicarage and caretaker's lodge were built in the 1800s, Mr Warren said, while up to £20,000 a year is spent maintaining them and the disabled access is "insufficient".

Mr Warren said advice from an architect indicated a renovation of the existing buildings was not suitable, and the submitted plan had the "full backing" of the Dean of Jersey.

Plans include an auditorium, meetings rooms, a kitchen, along with air source heat pumps and solar panels.