Harpenden Salvation Army given green light for building project

The Salvation Army in Harpenden is excited to announce that planning permission has been received from St Albans City & District Council for an extension of their church and community centre on Leyton Green.

The building will provide a new worship hall, counselling room, enhanced entrance lobby and store room. In addition, the internal layout will be re-organised to incorporate a new kitchen, two multi-purpose community halls, offices, enhanced toilet facilities and improved accessibility throughout.

Harpenden Salvation Army’s corps officer (church minister), Captain Kenneth Guest, said: “We hope that our new building will enable us to develop our youth work and services for older people. If you take into account the planned housing developments for the town and our aging population, we believe safe, local places for people to meet, socialise and access support are needed now more than ever.

“Our growing community programme and worshipping congregation have been in need of more space and a building that is fit for purpose and accessible to all for some time now - so we are so excited to be able to announce that we have been given planning permission.

“Most of all we would like to thank the local community for their support. We will of course continue to involve our neighbours throughout the next stages of the project and if anyone has anything they wish to discuss with us, our door remains open.

“The Salvation Army has been at the heart of Harpenden for more than 130 years and our plans reflect our continued commitment to this town and our desire to be a compassionate and reliable support.

“While we have raised a significant proportion of the funds needed to complete the exterior building work, our focus will now turn to raising the additional funds needed to complete the project and transform the interior into an accessible and welcoming community hub.

“The target amount will become clearer once the tender has been awarded but we’re estimating that we need in the region of £250,000. Any support from local businesses and organisations would be much appreciated – please do get in touch for more information.”

The decision from St Albans City & District Council comes after a period of public consultation, where the community was given the opportunity to see plans and discuss any concerns or questions with The Salvation Army team at their church and community centre in Harpenden town centre.

In addition to Sunday worship, a Sunday school and a Salvation Army brass band and choir, Harpenden Salvation Army currently runs a youth club, Toddler Song, emergency food provision, pastoral support, social activities for older people and a Christmas Day meal for people who would otherwise be on their own – last year this event was attended by 80 people.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity with more than 800 community churches and social centres offering friendship, practical help and support for people at all levels of need across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

For more information about Harpenden Salvation Army and how you can support the building project, please contact Captain Kenneth Guest via harpenden@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01582 469399 or 07944 709916.