Church outlines vision for new Manchester home
Winners Chapel wants to build a 57,800 sq ft chapel and community hub on 5.7 acres in Blackley, opening up the private site to the public.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant hub that not only serves as a place of worship but also provides community services and a gathering space for all,” said pastor Enoch Akame.
Winners Chapel said it had outgrown its Salford home off Broughton Lane, leading to the pursuit of a new location.
Akame elaborated: “As a church, we have continued to support our community with various community initiatives such as donations to other charitable causes, food bank, community clean-ups, Christmas projects including reaching out to the elderly people in care homes, homelessness projects, as well as a walk-in centre for youth and family counselling.
“This new space will enable us to expand these services and better meet the growing needs of both our congregation and the wider community.”
The proposals include landscaped gardens and grounds. Credit: MOJO Architecture
The chosen site sits at 114 Chain Road, between St Euphrasias Care Home and Meade Hill School. Current unoccupied buildings on the site would be demolished if the proposals move forward.
Working alongside Leigh-based MOJO Architecture, the church has drawn up plans for a facility with a chapel, community hall, training centre, youth development facility, community café, gardens, and children’s play area.
The plans also include provision for 192 cars to park and 40 cycles to be stored. There would also be a dedicated drop-off facility for mini-buses and coaches.
Chester-based Land Studio has designed an extensive garden on the site, which would be open to everyone to enjoy.
The project is still in its early phases. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their feedback in an online consultation at winnerschapelblackley-consultation.co.uk. The consultation ends on 26 September.
Zerum is the planner for the scheme, with Counter Context aiding in community engagement.
A consultation on the possible new chapel and community hub will end later this month. Credit: MOJO Architecture
I’m all up for the expansion for the church & community but I’m worried about the access roads there’s only one road to get to the site chain rd. It’s not very good now with pot holes etc with all the building work lorry’s that would be going up & down every day & the noise too. It’s a quiet area now & for building work to been done means noise & mud etc & I’m worried about the children of our lady’s school to will they be safe when walking to & from school ? Will there be another access rd built for such a large project ?
By Kerry Miller
With all the schools around blackley we do not need to add to the constant bad traffic on our streets its bad enough now. Can’t even get off my drive most mornings and afternoon because of the schools traffic. Damaging our cars turning round on our drives. Basically causing mayhem This will only cause more hassle and its not what the local residents want. Enough is enough
By Anonymous
What’s the point of this, a huge building for what it’s more housing is what is needed…….not some fancy garden and a play area and what’s the church religion……plenty of churches ….homeless and elder should come FIRST….
By Anonymous
@September 26, 2024 at 9:02 am
By Anonymous
There are plenty of church *buildings* yes. But many of those are not exactly full.
I bet this church – a Charismatic Evangelical Church – fills up regularly. A lot of this growing church type prefer auditorium style worship spaces.
And they tend to be excellent when helping the homeless and the elderly.
By Rye