St Augustine's Community Centre, Preston, Lancashire

AvenCentral Partnership - Funding the Regeneration of Preston City Centre:

Apparently, the last Parish Priest exulted in having a parish without a church, he was a self-proclaimed "liturgist of exceptional quality" - Mass being read from a loose-leaf folder, containing his latest creations. The Church was closed down due to "insuperable" structural problems - that was the official story, anyway.

"St Augustines New Avenham Centre is being developed on the site of the former St Augustine's Church in Avenham. The church, a grade two star listed building has been closed for over 20 years and was derelict.
The Diocese of Lancaster who own the building have been deciding on its usage since its closure and are now working in partnership with the local community and the local college to bring the church back into use as a community venue. The new building will incorporate a sports hall, information technology centre, a nursery facility and small business units for people starting out in business. A funding package of �5 million has been secured for the redevelopment of the site. The project is being managed by START a trust made up of representatives from the Diocese of Lancaster, Cardinal Newman College and AvenQuest Community Regeneration Trust.(Pictured left is an artists impression of the new building)
Project Manager : Jonathon Thomas
14 Oakham Court, Avenham Preston.
November 2002 - Preparation of the graveyard including the re-burial of the remains.
November 2003 - Videographer Sally McDonald commissions to record the development of the Centre.
December 2003 - Re-launch of AvenQuest Trust (one of the partners of START) and appeal for community involvement in the St Augustines Project.
December 2003 (ongoing) Rohit Jiwa, Community Economic Development Officer recruits volunteers from the community to be involved in the development of programmes for the future useage of the Centre.
January 2004 - Construction contract awarded to John Turner & Sons Ltd.
January 2004 - Demolition of St Augustine's Church started.
March 2004 - Building work started.
Completion due June 2005."

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