Chaplaincy for the new Longbridge Development
The Chaplaincy for the new Longbridge development began in May 2010 with a meeting between Mike Murray of St Modwens, the developer for the site, Barbara Hayes, CIGB, Rev Colin Corke, Vicar of Longbridge and Stephen Plant, then Chaplain designate. Mike Murray was interested in the establishment of a chaplaincy and stated that St Modwens would support and encourage the process; however, they could not force the main contractors to allow a chaplain site access. Discussions took place with Shepherd Construction, the main contractor for the first building, the new Bournville College. Site access was agreed and regular site visits began in November. Stephen was commissioned Chaplain at the annual CIGB service on 21st November.
Shepherd Construction have been very welcoming and supportive of the chaplaincy. So much so that senior managers have volunteered to undertake some voluntary work in the community by renovating and painting two local community halls. The Church hall of St John the Baptist Longbridge is to be repainted. It is proposed that the project will be managed by Shepherds and labour provided by full time apprentices from Bournville College. Also it is proposed that the toilets at the community centre of St Stephens Rednal be repositioned and renovated. It is likely this work will be carried out by the managers from Shepherds themselves.
Whilst the sight of a chaplain on the construction site has undoubtedly had a novelty factor for many of the construction workers, Stephen has found himself welcome and had opportunities for meaningful conversations to take place.
On February 1st a meeting of local church representatives took place at the Innovation Centre adjacent to the site. They were given a presentation by Mike Murray as to the process of development to date and the vision for the future. It is clear that St Modwens are here for the long term and that they intend to build a viable and sustainable development for the new heart of Longbridge.
The response from the Churches was encouraging and the steering group will now see how the local church community and the work of the chaplaincy can move forward together in an integrated manner.
The Chaplaincy for the new Longbridge development began in May 2010 with a meeting between Mike Murray of St Modwens, the developer for the site, and representatives from C.I.G.B. St Modwens agreed to support and encourage the process.
Discussions then took place with Shepherd Construction, site access was agreed and regular site visits began in November. Stephen was commissioned Chaplain at the annual C.I.G.B service on 21st November.
Shepherd Construction have been very welcoming and supportive of the chaplaincy, and senior managers have volunteered to undertake some voluntary work in the community by renovating and painting two local community halls.
On February 1st a meeting of local church representatives took place at the Innovation Centre and were given a presentation by Mike Murray as to the process of development to date and the vision for the future.
The response from the Churches was encouraging and the steering group will now see how the local church community and the work of the chaplaincy can move forward together in an integrated manner.
(Short version for report)