The Bishop of London is backing a major community transformation of Aldgate with plans for new St Botolph’s community centre for families and City workers.
The £3 million centre is due to open in 2020 as part of the Aldgate Square rejuvenation which includes a new hotel next to the church, in an area that has undergone massive redevelopment.
“Transformation is the business of the Church,” Bishop Dame Sarah Mullally said.
“The Church has worked with the City Corporation on the regeneration to help transform the Aldgate area. It is now the turn of the church itself to be transformed.”
The scheme paid for by the City’s Churches grants committee includes a large hall that can be divided into three for community use, a café, office space and fully equipped kitchen.
“St Botolph Aldgate always reaches out and serves its community,” the Bishop stressed. “We are reminded as we approach Christmas that a new born baby comes to this world to transform it.”
Parishioners like Natalie Coughlan have told the bishop that Aldgate “urgently needs more space for meetings and birthday parties” as well as youth services.
The Rector, The Rev Laura Jørgensen, is to listen over the next 18 months to residents, City workers and others who pass through Aldgate to make sure a thriving space is created to “bring the community together”.
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