Background

The Saint Stephen's site in Alton Gardens/Manners Way currently consists of an area approximately 0.75 acres comprising a former vicarage (213) with front and rear gardens, a church and hall with cobbled space at the front and overgrown vegetation at the rear and a children’s playground rented out to the local authority on the corner adjoining 213 and the church hall.

Proposals to provide a new community centre and worship space together with a new play area alongside some possible housing have proved to be beyond any partnership or funding on our own.

The existing buildings are proving costly to run and do not meet current standards which severely limit the work and activities that can take place, indeed much of the community work has had to be curtailed due to the buildings. This has been transferred to 213. We have invested our energy and funds into the former vicarage and grden - see Lifestreams 213.

The vision some time ago was  to re-brand the church by using the project title ‘Lifestreams at Saint Stephen’s’; thereby projecting a more appropriate image of the work of the church today. This has been firmly estabkished across the three Lifestreams sites.

The church grew numerically but more significantly, spiritually, and the (Parochial Church Council) PCC shaped the vision, and is passionate to make a difference for the people in Prittlewell.

The biggest issue preventing the development of the work here are the current building facilities. The hall (a temporary building from the 1940‘s) particularly is outdated and beyond repair and is no longer in use. The church itself is structurally, fine but lacks the facilities for accessibility, heating, hot water, insulation etc. The entrance is dark and not at all welcoming.

Over the years the PCC have discussed numerous options - sharing with another church, meeting at school, in peoples’ houses, renting a shop unit, refurbishing the existing buildings but felt that to fulfill the vision new premises were needed. Following initial attempts to raise the required £1.5m that would be needed for this the PCC realised that the time it would take for this small congregation to raise such a sum, the hall would probably fall down before necessary funding would be raised. The way forward would be in partnership with other organisations. Hence the involvement of Southend Council (who need to provide more living accommodation) by using a portion of the site for housing to generate the finance to build the new community hub. This effort did not bear fruit.

The ongoing story

The work continues at 213 and though it seems like not much is happening at the church it has recently been painted outside and we are ready to create a new accessible toilet. We can then bring the building back into use.

The next stage is to raise £25k to replace the windows. Then we shall reloine the walls and roof with insulation thus making the building close to Net Zero emmissions of carbon.

A refurbished Lifestreams at SaintStephen’s will make a huge impact within the local community by working in partnership with local agencies and community groups.

The centre will become the hub of activity for all sectors of the local community (eg family, single parents, child-care, loneliness, teenagers) where currently there are very few facilities or none at all. We shall be providing employment for some, volunteering positions for others, raising confidence and providing opportunities.

Benefits to the community

In its current state there is little community identity and focus. Lifestreams will have all the ingredients to become the social and spiritual hub and fill the void that has seen a lack of community facilities.

The existing buildings are not fit for purpose and do not comply with current legislation and as a result are restricting the work and activities of the Church. Lifestreams will open up more opportunities whilst also benefitting the environment due to the sustainable features that are incorporated into the design.

The need for children’s services in the area (particularly for 2 year olds) will be met through the facilities incorporated into the new design. The crèche and soft play areas will provide child-friendly areas with support for parents and carers

A new play area with new equipment will be provided with successful fund raising.

Teenagers will have somewhere safe to meet and have use of a café.

Local community groups and other agencies can meet in a lost cost high quality environment.

The local area has seen a rise in unemployment. Lifestreams will create new training and job opportunities due to the wide range of facilities included.

A place for debt advice, money management, health and other support services can be sourced locally.

Lifestreams provides the perfect opportunity to rebrand the church. By constructing what would not typically be labelled as a church building a place that destroys the negative stereotypes of ‘church’ will be created.

The next step

We are sure that you all want to see these community facilities, we will all benefit. Will you be part of this huge project? We aren't working in isolation but as part of this community. If you have some skills or interst that you think may be helpful please contact the office 01702 300402 or email office@lifestreams.org.uk or pop into the coffeehouse for a chat.