St Lawrence Church set to open as new community hub within two months (Ipswich Liberal Democrats)

Ipswich Liberal Democrats <info@ipswichlibdems.org.uk>

St Lawrence Church set to open as new community hub within two months

February 20, 2008 1:47 PM

St Lawrence Church to open after 35 years of closure

St Lawrence's Church, in Dial Lane, has been empty for 35 years since closing in the early 1970s but is set to re-open soon as a base for a number of community groups.

The former church will accommodate 150 people. It will be available for hire and will provide a significant new venue for exhibitions and events. There will be a brand new kitchen and the and venue will be licensed to sell alcohol.

Of the more than £1million refurbishment cost, around £700,000 came from being a "Growth Point", while £400,000 was put towards the project by the LibDem inspired joint administration at Ipswich Borough Council. LibDem Councillor Richard Atkins, who is responsible for the Growth Point funding, said "it is is great to see this historic church find a use again, and a delight to have been able to secure this funding to make it affordable".

The opening of the tea rooms at St Lawrence Church follows the decision under the previous Labour administration to close the Age-Concern tea rooms without finding or funding alternative accommodation.