Rivertown United Reformed Church

The building project moves closer to Phase 2.

With Phase 1 complete - the roof and decoration of worship area - our attention is now focused on Phase 2.

We have received and reviewed the replies to tender from 5 building contractors. With advice and guidance from our architect and Health and Safety expert, together we have identified the contractor to undertake the work. The plan start date remains as February 2009 with an estimated duration of 6-8 weeks.

Two things will now run in parallel over the coming weeks. Firstly we will continue to progress our submission for grants, to provide the additional funding we need to complete this phase; secondly we will meet with the contractor and discuss the schedule of work and other related details to ensure we are ready for the planned start date.

We have confirmation that whilst the building work progresses then access to the rear of the building will be restricted however we can still use the worship area for our Sunday services. We will be thinking this through further.

In summary this phase includes:

• new toilets including accessible toilet; with a cloakroom to include baby changing facilities
• new layout of rooms will include a new lobby (moving the back door to a more central position);
• large meeting room; store room; 'cleaner's room';
• extended kitchen/cafe area with a partition to enable this to split into two rooms;
• lift platform to provide access from church
• new lighting, doors and flooring;
• central heating (with a boiler big enough to heat upstairs when we are ready)
• new windows on the ground floor.