The decision we have made to sell the former Mass centre and parish Hall, St Peter’s Cranham, is now being moved forward. The following statement has been published to share our intentions more widely.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Upminster has exciting plans to replace the ageing social centre on Saint Mary’s Lane, with a new fit for purpose building that will provide a home for various parish and community activities. The pre-school and social club will continue to be at the heart of this new building, along with a new multi-purpose hall. We are working with our architects and Havering planning officers to make sure that what we propose will be sensitive to the potential impact on local residents and the local environment. Our aim is for a sustainable building that will enhance its setting and serve many generations to come.
To make this vision a reality, we will be applying for grants as well as launching a fundraising campaign within the parish. We have also taken the decision to sell the former Mass centre known as Saint Peter’s at the end of Front Lane in Cranham, together with the 2.5 acres of land that it sits on. Due to its location, this site is presently underused by the parish community. Recognising the generosity of past benefactors who provided the land and the building for the parish, looking to the future this will now benefit the parish in a different way.
The Cranham site is now on the market. Under charity law, we are obliged to seek the best possible value for assets that we dispose of, but, all things being equal, we very much hope that the future use of this site will be something that is of benefit to the local area and the community. No doubt there will be a range of views in response to these plans, which have been the fruit of much discussion within the parish community. We ask that anyone with concerns about our project get in touch directly with parish so that we can listen and respond. If anyone is interested in supporting the project, or in acquiring the Cranham site, again we would be delighted to hear from you.
The selling agent is Newmark – details here
The above text, and the pictures below, may be freely reproduced.
