The Future of St John’s and Lawnsmead Hall
St John’s PCC is exploring a long-term vision for the future of the church and Lawnsmead Hall, so that our parish can continue to serve both church members and the wider community for generations to come.
The proposals respond to the challenges of maintaining several ageing buildings, including Lawnsmead Hall, which is well used but increasingly difficult and costly to run. The vision is to create a new Parish Centre at St John’s: a welcoming, accessible and flexible space for worship, children’s work, community groups, meetings, hospitality and parish life throughout the week.
The plans include a modest extension to the church and a new building within the church grounds, with improved facilities such as a community hall, meeting rooms, kitchen, toilets, offices, storage and a more welcoming entrance. Lawnsmead would remain in use until any new facilities are ready, with its eventual sale helping to fund the project alongside grants and congregational giving.
The plans are still at an early stage. We are listening carefully to the views of the church and wider community, and any future updates or applications will be shared through the parish magazine and this website.