Reimagining Community Engagement in an eco-friendly way
St Matthews Church centre has been a vibrant and loved hub at the heart of Grandpont since it was opened in 1994. It stands as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and community.
At the core of our refurbishment plans lies a commitment to continue this role by creating a welcoming environment that fosters connection, creativity, and service. The new parish centre will serve as a living space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to share, learn, and grow. Click below to see a brief video produced by Simon Haynes:
The Parish Centre is now 30 years old and is well used by many people in the community who enjoy parties, exercise groups, ballet classes and the Community Lunch, among other things. The aim of the Refresh Project is to refresh the Parish Centre, to improve the carbon footprint and make it suitable for the next 30 years of use. We launched the project at our Garden Party in September and raised enough money to engage experts to look at options.
The initial stage of technical preparation for the Refresh Project is now complete and a menu of options that has been drawn up.
On Sunday 18th May we held a community meeting where we recieved lots of useful comments and suggestions. The slides presented at the meeting can be found here.
We would love to hear what you think and ideas you may have for the future use of the building. The work that eventually gets done will depend on the money we can raise, but at this stage we want to make sure that as many people as possible are involved in the discussions and understand the scope of what may be possible.
Can you please submit any suggestions via this link. All informatrion will be treated with strictest confidence.
PROJECT AIMS
Modern Facilities for Events and Activities
The reimagined centre will include facilities to host a wide range of events and activities. From community meetings, workshops, and classes to social gatherings and celebrations, our versatile event spaces will be accessible to all and enable flexible layouts.
A space for Young people
Aided by our enthusiastic staff, we want to support young people and young adults by offering a fun, safe and welcoming environment where they can engage in activities that create space, foster personal growth and provide social interaction.
Wellness and Fellowship
Promoting wellness and fellowship is integral to our vision. The parish centre will include an improved hall for dance, and exercise classes, and better changing facilities. We will continue to provide courses and discussions which promote well-being,
Serving the Wider Community
The refurbished parish centre will extend its reach beyond the church, offering services that benefit the broader Oxford community. We will continue with our weekly drop in lunch and operate as a Night Shelter for the homeless in winter. We will develop outreach programs and support groups which will ensure that our centre becomes a pillar of hope and assistance for those in need. We will also offer professional hire space for conferences and meetings
All within a carbon friendly and accessible environment
Our aim is to make the centre as eco-friendly as possible through investing in current green technologies and minimising wasted energy. This will include replacing an outdated gas boiler with modern heat pumps which provide a comfortable climate. We will also consider investing in solar panels. At the same time doors, toilets and rooms will be designed to allow accessibility for all.
Conclusion
Our vision for the refurbished parish centre is one of inclusivity, innovation, and inspiration. As we transform this space, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Join us in this exciting journey as we build a brighter future for our community, together.
St Matthews Church centre has been a vibrant and loved hub at the heart of Grandpont since it was opened in 1994. It stands as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and community.
At the core of our refurbishment plans lies a commitment to continue this role by creating a welcoming environment that fosters connection, creativity, and service. The new parish centre will serve as a living space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to share, learn, and grow. Click below to see a brief video produced by Simon Haynes:
INTRODUCTION VIDEO
Refresh Project consultation
The Parish Centre is now 30 years old and is well used by many people in the community who enjoy parties, exercise groups, ballet classes and the Community Lunch, among other things. The aim of the Refresh Project is to refresh the Parish Centre, to improve the carbon footprint and make it suitable for the next 30 years of use. We launched the project at our Garden Party in September and raised enough money to engage experts to look at options.
The initial stage of technical preparation for the Refresh Project is now complete and a menu of options that has been drawn up.
On Sunday 18th May we held a community meeting where we recieved lots of useful comments and suggestions. The slides presented at the meeting can be found here.
We would love to hear what you think and ideas you may have for the future use of the building. The work that eventually gets done will depend on the money we can raise, but at this stage we want to make sure that as many people as possible are involved in the discussions and understand the scope of what may be possible.
Can you please submit any suggestions via this link. All informatrion will be treated with strictest confidence.
PROJECT AIMS
Modern Facilities for Events and Activities
The reimagined centre will include facilities to host a wide range of events and activities. From community meetings, workshops, and classes to social gatherings and celebrations, our versatile event spaces will be accessible to all and enable flexible layouts.
A space for Young people
Aided by our enthusiastic staff, we want to support young people and young adults by offering a fun, safe and welcoming environment where they can engage in activities that create space, foster personal growth and provide social interaction.
Wellness and Fellowship
Promoting wellness and fellowship is integral to our vision. The parish centre will include an improved hall for dance, and exercise classes, and better changing facilities. We will continue to provide courses and discussions which promote well-being,
Serving the Wider Community
The refurbished parish centre will extend its reach beyond the church, offering services that benefit the broader Oxford community. We will continue with our weekly drop in lunch and operate as a Night Shelter for the homeless in winter. We will develop outreach programs and support groups which will ensure that our centre becomes a pillar of hope and assistance for those in need. We will also offer professional hire space for conferences and meetings
All within a carbon friendly and accessible environment
Our aim is to make the centre as eco-friendly as possible through investing in current green technologies and minimising wasted energy. This will include replacing an outdated gas boiler with modern heat pumps which provide a comfortable climate. We will also consider investing in solar panels. At the same time doors, toilets and rooms will be designed to allow accessibility for all.
Conclusion
Our vision for the refurbished parish centre is one of inclusivity, innovation, and inspiration. As we transform this space, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Join us in this exciting journey as we build a brighter future for our community, together.