After decades of prayer, community effort, and careful planning, St Bartholomew's Church in Allens Cross is embarking on a transformative journey with the creation of St Bartholomew's Community Hub. This landmark project will provide a sustainable, inclusive space designed to serve the community's needs while reflecting the church's love and values.
The church, demolished 25 years ago following an arson attack, is set to rise again as a beacon of hope, resilience, and community spirit. Rev. Theresa Morton, Vicar of St Bartholomew's, described the project as "an answer to prayer, not just for our faithful congregation but for the whole community with whom we long to share the love of God."
A Vision Rooted in Community
The new building aligns with a significant number of the Church of England Birmingham's diocesan priorities: eco-awareness, inclusivity, and the national CofE provision for a church in every parish. The timber-frame structure, complete with solar panels and a heat source pump, has been designed with environmental sustainability in mind. John Templeman (Deputy Property Director) and the diocesan Property team, who are experts in eco-building, have played a crucial role in ensuring the project's carbon-neutral aspirations.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the design. The building will include a registered Changing Places facility, ensuring dignity and accessibility for individuals with complex disabilities and their carers. St Bart's will be one of only a few places of worship in the UK that offer this facility. The layout, accessibility features, and even colour schemes have been thoughtfully planned to ensure that everyone feels welcome.
The Community Hub will bring together vital community projects under one roof, including St Bart's Local Pantry, Places of Welcome, and a Bereavement Café. With a parish population of over 16,000—set to grow with new housing developments—these services are more important than ever. Data from the Church Urban Fund reveals that a third of children and a quarter of adults in the parish live in poverty, underscoring the critical need for these initiatives.
Voices of Support
The project has garnered widespread support from local leaders and stakeholders. Laurence Turner, MP for Northfield, remarked,
"St. Bartholomew's Church does excellent work locally. The plans for the Community Hub are exciting and provide a physical space to extend their work alongside the community."
Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added,
"St Bartholomew's Church is already the beating heart of the Allens Cross community. The new Community Hub will build on years of bringing people together, creating a shared place to socialise, play, and worship."
Cllr Ken Wood, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, highlighted the Hub's potential to foster connection and growth, stating,
"St Bart's Community Hub will offer a welcoming people-centred facility, offering life-enhancing opportunities to local families. It's something we should be thankful for and appreciate."
Janice Paine, Lay Minister and Community Worker at St Bartholomew's, emphasised the church's commitment to the community, saying,
"Our Community Hub will offer a place where families can come together, be welcomed, valued, and respected. It will nurture safety, hope, and aspiration, building confidence to enable long-term systemic change."
Building a Better Future
Funding for the construction is secured, but the church is actively raising an additional £120,000 for furniture and equipment. The project has already received planning permission, and once final legal provisions are in place, the building contractor and groundbreaking date will be announced.
To learn more about the project or to contribute, please visit St Bartholomew’s church on achurchnearyou.com. Together, let's build a future where everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive.