Church wants to move into warehouse

Christchurch in Hailsham wants to move into a 4,210sq ft building in Diplocks Way, near the Gleneagles Drive roundabout.

The building has been empty since it was built two years ago by the nearby Chandlers BMW company.

A 'change of use' application is being submitted to Wealden District Council today (Friday).

Leader Andy Johnston said: 'Having a home 24/7 means we could serve the community much more effectively rather than hiring a series of buildings for one-off events.

'It is how you use the building which is important.

'We do a number of things, and that would develop and increase if the application is accepted.'

If accepted, the warehouse would be taken on a 10 year lease.

Up to 250 people could use the new facility for meetings and community activities.

At the moment Christchurch hires Hailsham Community Hall for Sunday meetings.

Church groups also meet in various places during the week to explore Christian spirituality.

Mums and toddlers, and a 'Kidz Klub' also hire out different venues in the town.

Sarah Dickenson, Christchurch youth worker, said teenagers in the church needed more space to meet.

She has had 25 young people meeting at her flat.

Miss Dickenson said: 'I am really excited about the chance to have a lot more space in another venue for young people.

'The mums and toddlers groups at the church have grown to capacity and we need a new place.

'At the moment we run youth work out of the front rooms of our houses and flats.'

The church has grown from 85 adult members to 120 in the past 18 months.