The keys to a Chelmsford community centre have been handed to a Christian partnership.
A new community centre in Beaulieu will become one of the 101 new Christian communities to be planted in Essex and East London in the next 10 years by Chelmsford Diocese.
Placed at the heart of the Beaulieu Square neighbourhood, the community centre will be managed by the Beaulieu Community Trust, a partnership between Springfield Parish Council, Beaulieu churches, and residents.
Church of England Pioneer Minister on Beaulieu, Reverend Daniel Pierce said: “This is an exciting new venture, bringing together a partnership between the parish council and the church.
"I am delighted to be a part of the team and I think this centre will provide a focus for the new community and the existing residents of Springfield. I want to encourage new friendships to blossom in all stages of life.”
Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell said: "Becoming a community requires more than housing, it needs heart and soul. People need to come together and form community.
“Every church was planted once."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here