Great news as church announces work to start soon on ‘much-needed’ community hub

A Runcorn church is having a major revamp to create a welcoming community hub.

St Berteline & St Christophers C of E Church, known as St Bert’s, at Windmill Hill, will undergo improvements in accessibility as well as comfort.

There will be a wider wheelchair-friendly entrance and lobby, accessible toilets and a modern kitchen capable of catering for community events.

Project backers are grateful to funders, Windmill Hill Big Local, administered by Local trust for the National Lottery Community Fund, Veolia Environmental Trust and FCC Communities Foundation through the Landfill Communities Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, National Churches Trust, The Benefact Trust, Onward Housing, a further charitable trust and Chester Diocese.

Carole Lewis, a volunteer on the project and member of St Bert’s Church, said: “For me this is not about bricks and mortar it is about what will happen inside, as people are able to come together, these improvements will provide a great and much-needed community hub for Windmill Hill, somewhere people will want to organise activities and events for pure enjoyment, celebration and support.”

“Our volunteers will improve and extend some of our weekly community activities such as the café and luncheon club.”

The refurbishment is the result of a multidisciplinary project that has involved churchgoers, residents, expertise of funding development staff from Halton Borough Council  and local stakeholders  over several years. Work is due to start in May and expected to be completed in December.

St Bert’s Church with Community Hub Project is an entirely volunteer-led organisation seeking to support local residents through initiatives aimed at decreasing isolation and tackling poverty.

Carole added: “We are always looking for more people from the community to join us as well as join our volunteer teams.”

The church will be holding an open day once work is completed, with everyone welcome. Keep a look out on the St Bert’s Church Facebook page for more information.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury commented: “I’m delighted to learn work on the community hub will start soon. This is fantastic news!

“The hub will help to enhance community spirit and cohesion in Windmill Hill. Well done to everyone who has made this happen.”