Property focus: From surplus warehouse, to church – to lively community asset

January 20, 2012
By

Challenging economic conditions are prompting commercial property tenants and landlords to think outside of the box when it comes to utilising surplus industrial units. Landlords generally steer clear of changing the use of commercial properties but tough market conditions are forcing many to take a second look at their portfolios.  

 
“In normal market conditions a large shed does what it says on the tin but landlords are increasingly interested in alternative uses and even prepared to authorise extensive alterations,” says Colliers International industrial specialist Jonathan Allen. He points to the experience of the Edge Church in North Bristol – presently transforming  an industrial unit in the heart of Aztec West into the hub of a unique community programme – as a prime example of the  radical rethinks landlords are now prepared to consider.
 
The Edge Church - which set up in Bristol four years ago  – picked up the keys to its new ‘shed’ back in April and volunteers have embarked on a massive project  transforming the 20,000 sq ft warehouse into the beating heart of an expanding community outreach operation. The church began the refit after 18 months of protracted negotiations  coordinated by Colliers International. It is now facing a further 18 months of hard work fitting out the combined worship and nursery facility in the centre of Bristol's biggest industrial park.
“There really is nothing quite like this going on in the West region," said Jonathan Allen. "The sheer scale, ambition and extent of the refurbishment is amazing, as is the fact that the entire project is being funded and carried out by church members alone. The negotiations we went through to secure the unit for the Edge Church would have tempted the patience of a saint and I am delighted to see the project taking such massive steps forward providing a hub for the surrounding communities.”
 
The Edge Church originated in Adelaide, South Australia and has operated in a number of temporary locations across Bristol since 2008 under the leadership of Senior Minister Jason Gowland, who moved here with his family. During that time the church has carried out a wide variety of community outreach works around North Bristol including helping schools and colleges  with repairs and renovation work as well as assisting individuals in need and opening a Restore charity shop in Gloucester Road, Patchway.
 
The church's Jason Gowland said: “We are literally thinking outside of the ‘box’. We have staged Christian conferences, fashion shows and Christmas carol services at the centre alongside a full programme of church, youth and children’s projects.  We have even held our first wedding. The centre is already in use practically every day for our church, nursery and practical outworking projects but it is also invaluable as a base to provide catering and hospitality services for the local community.”
As well as a fully refurbished auditorium capable of hosting bands, concerts and shows for hundreds of people, the centre has created full nursery and childcare facilities, family mediation areas, offices and even a commercial-standard kitchen. The Edge Church is planning a grand launch next autumn when the centre will be unveiled as a fully functioning UK and  European headquarters.

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