Self Provides Designs for Community Hub Refurbishment

8th May 2019

Self are delighted to be working with Manor Church and Community Project on the refurbishment of a vital community hub in Sheffield.

The Temple Park Centre, formerly William Temple Church, has been a community resource and place of worship in the heart of the Manor Park community for more than 50 years.

The Harborough Avenue building is run by the Manor Church and Community Project, a charitable organisation and local ecumenical partnership which provides vital support for local people and families.

After closing as a place of regular worship in 2017, the Centre has developed as a multi-use community hub which is used by a range of groups including Manor After School Kids Klub and Manor Community Childcare Centre. 

But, major refurbishment work is needed to redesign and upgrade the building to make it much more accessible and user friendly.

The Project has worked with Self to draw up a phased £500,000 programme which includes replacing the toilets, creating more multi-use space, café and soft play area, developing a new main entrance and reception and improving disabled access.

Community Minister Simon Loveitt said: “The Centre is a much-loved building and is already well used but the refurbishment project would enable us to reach so many more people.

“We know there are a lot of isolated families around here with limited resources and by redeveloping the building we would make it much more user-friendly and accessible.”

Last year a successful grant application to the Veolia Environmental Trust and support from the Methodist Church funded the first phase involving new heating and lighting, replacing windows and some internal decoration.

But, the Project is now seeking capital funding to complete the redevelopment project. The Rev Julie Upton, Team Rector of Sheffield Manor Parish and Project Trustee, added:

“Over the years local people have used the building to gather together, celebrate and enjoy themselves.

“The recent improvements to Temple Park Centre and those planned for the future build on this spirit of working together for the benefit of the whole community.

“But we desperately need capital funding to complete the refurbishment project so we can better meet the current and future needs of the people we serve.”