Funding secured for major church extension

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24/08/2017

Bridge Church, based in Bolton, has secured a six-figure funding package to assist with extension of its current premises. The work will provide a purpose-built coffee shop, ensuring that the community is welcomed seven days a week.

The church has been a Yorkshire Bank customer for almost 40 years. They offer a range of religious and charitable services, including educational and outreach programmes to help local people experiencing financial troubles.

Extensive upgrades and refurbishment

This funding will help Bridge Church to undertake a number of extensive upgrades and refurbishments to their facilities. The first stage of the original development was the refurbishment of the existing premises – a space adapted from offices and smaller meeting rooms in 2006 with funding provided by Yorkshire bank for 750k.

The second phase of a major project was the purchase of the building next door to their current premises, formerly RRG Toyota showrooms. The church refurbished this space to create rooms for administration, child care and education facilities. Yorkshire Bank also assisted with funding via provision of a £650k overdraft in August 2006.

Community outreach

Church congregations have seen a steady fall in numbers over recent decades but Bridge Church has managed to buck this trend by offering a modern, relevant and family orientated service. They now have two Sunday morning services at 9.30am and 11.30am – attracting over 500 people to each service. This success is partly down to the support they provide to the local community.

Among the services the church provides for local people are: a midweek toddler group, dances classes, kids football coaching, debt advice and support, Job club, counselling, English language and citizenship classes, a food bank, and the new Bridge Coffee facility.