Wolverhampton church in bid to take over youth club
A dilapidated former youth club building could be converted into a new community church if plans are given the go-ahead.
Windmill Community Church is looking to take over the old Compton Youth Centre on Henwood Road, Wolverhampton, and have submitted an application to Wolverhampton Council planners to change its use into a place of worship.
The centre has been empty for more than a year and representatives for the church said the condition of the building is deteriorating further.
It plans to create a similar facility to one in Finchfield where a derelict chapel has been converted into a new church and community building serving a number of different groups.
Agents Church Growth Trust said: “The youth centre has been empty for over a year now and the council owned building will continue to deteriorate if left unoccupied.
“Windmill Community Church have recently refurbished the derelict chapel in Finchfield which has become a popular community building used throughout the week as well as for Sunday worship.
“The church has grown since making their home in this area of Wolverhampton and are planning to take on the Compton Youth Centre as part of their plans to grow the church and serve the local community.
“Their proven track record has been noticed and the project has gathered a lot of local support from the community and from local councillors.”
They added: “The building will be open daily throughout the week and at weekends with their main meeting on Sunday morning which will see a maximum of 100 people including children using the building.
Amplified
“There will be a coffee club daily between 10am and 1pm which is expected to accommodate up to 20 people as well as the volunteer staff who run it.
“There will be a toddler group on at least one weekday morning running from 10am until 12 noon and on Friday evenings there will be a youth club running between 7 and 9pm.
“The church will also run other clubs and activities that have proved popular at their existing site and these include a craft club and Alpha course.
“The building will be available for other community groups to hire for activities like keep fit and it will also be available for private hire for children’s parties and other social gatherings.
“The majority of these groups will accommodate a maximum of twenty people and Sunday mornings are the only times that amplified sound would be regularly used.
“The church will also be insulating the building which will help to prevent the passage of sound during the services.”
They added the building will be further refurbished inside to make further improvements and ensure it serves wheelchair users.
