After what seems like ages we're finally going to commencing redevelopment works on our Centre.
From Monday 18 November, contractors SJS will move in to the building and will begin to reshape our space. This has been a long time coming but they say the best things come to those who wait and we appear to be living proof of that!
During the works, that have been delayed for reasons outwith our control, our Kirk o'Field and Harry Miller Halls will be out of action. The majority of Centre activity will continue in our St Ninians Hall and Baillie Meeting Room, together with the presence of Scottish Love in Action, Amina: Muslim Women's Resource Centre, Edinburgh Street Pastors and Edinburgh Social Enterprise in the offices they rent within the Centre. A key point to note is that our reception will now be accessible from our Brown Street entrance to the Cowan Rooms, and not from our St Ninians entrance. The works will mean we'll be slightly less flexible within our timetable but thanks to a partnership with Life Church, we are still able to make as much space as possible available so that people in the community can continue to access support for Wellbeing and Enterprise activities.
The works will last up to a year but with the delayed start date, we will be working with our contractors to see if we can shorten that timeline. However until the initial demolitions have been completed, we will not be able to have a clear view on this so bear with us on that. There will be noise and mess, but our contractors will work with us to ensure that there as minimal disruption to Centre activity. But once they're done, we'll have a fully accessible Centre that is better able to welcome, include and provide hospitality of varying kinds to everyone in this Community without prejudice. It will have a street level Central Entrance with welcome reception area. There will be a lift covering all four floors. There will be more toilets including some with full disability accessibility. There will be a new heating system. There will be a new multi faith Sanctuary space, a Social Enterprise Hub, better access to our Village Square open community space, more office and meeting space, and greater visibility - in and out - to remove the lack of awareness of what is going on.
There's still time for you to help us by contributing to our Crowdfunder campaign. You can find all the information, and support us, at www.Crowdfunder.co.uk/CharterisCentre - thank you in anticipation.
We'll keep you up to date throughout the development period but if you have any questions or comments, please direct them to our Development Manager, Dan Rous, by email at charteris@greyfriarskirk.com. We look forward to bringing you an even more amazing Centre at the other end of these works. Thanks for sticking with us.