Current Premises on Denton Street
What is Cornerstone?
Cornerstone will be the result of the redevelopment of the site of the St James Opportunity shop and the adjoining vacant premises by St James Church Carlisle. This redevelopment will include rebuilding the premises resulting in a modern spacious development retaining the exterior character of the current buildings.
Aims and Objectives
St James Church is looking to build on the ethos of the Opportunity Shop and it’s service to our community by providing a range of services and facilities in a new building with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
What do we hope to achieve…?
We aim to provide a variety of services that that will benefit the whole community. We have a few thoughts as to what will be here when the doors open, but the rest is really about meeting the needs of those who live in, and visit Denton Holme.
When the doors open we will have:
- A Charity Shop, something along the lines of what we already have but in a new light and airy building.
- Crafts for sale. We will be looking to sell crafts (with a purpose). An ideal gift or decoration for your home?
- Coffee. We would like to provide welcome refreshment, a comfy seat and a place to meet and chat.
Other possibilities that we have considered and are exploring:
- Debt advice
- Counselling
- Social groups e.g. Knitting, Craft Sessions, Book Club etc…
- Homework Club
- Internet Access
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Bar
- Your Suggestions welcome… This is, after all, a venture to serve the whole community!
Projected Timing
- Planning Permission – Complete
- Demolition – Autumn 2011
- Open – Spring 2012
Current Ground Floor Plan
Current First Floor Plan
Denton Street Elevation
Click on an image to see a larger version
History
Cornerstone, initially Dubbed “The Denton St Project”, was founded following the purchase, by the Church, of the premises on Denton Steet, consisting of the Op Shop and the adjacent two units, formerly Routledges the bakers. Having attained vacant posession from routledges a committee was formed (the Denton Street Group or DSG) to consult and take forward the project. The Committee first met in January 2010 and established some basic “terms of reference” from which all future decisions would refer back to. Once these were established the group decided upon a working aim which is as follows:
“In order to to help meet the practical and spiritual needs of our community, the DSP will offer a range of services in a friendly welcoming environment.”
Out of this aim grew a number of task based areas which the group are currently working on:
- Prayer - It is felt by the group that prayer is an integral and important part of the group and the project. The group commit each meeting in prayer and are seeking ways to actively encourage the Congregation in prayer. We currently have bi-monthly prayer meetings for all to attend and a regular prayer letter. More information on either of these is available by emailing the Parish Office.
- Publicity - The group felt that the availability of information is paramount and as such are developing a strategy, initially internally in the Church, and as the project develops in the Community. They are striving to make information available in many ways, including through Homegroups, The Parish Magazine (Connect), The St James Website, and others as are deemed necessary and appropriate as the project develops.
- Ideas - Whilst we have consulted the community on what they would like the premises used for, it is now the responsibility of the group to consider each idea, and find out the practicalities of implementing these and other ideas.
- Building Development - The building is currently in a poor state of repair and currently does little to enhance the overall view of Denton St. Therefore theyare looking at various ways in which the building can be developed both internally to suit the end functions of the project and externally to enhance the appearance of Denton St as a whole.
- Funding - The group is looking at possible internal and external funding possibilities. The PCC has agreed in its budget from current resources, a certain amount of capital that can be used to kick start the project. Further funding, especially in the Building Development stage will have to be sought to realise the project.
- Governance - A governance document is being produced to look at current and future management of the premises.
The group consists of members from various backgrounds within the Church, some of whom are as follows:
John Libby
Julie Graham
Paul McVittie
Raymond Ridley
Rosie Thwaites
Joan Yarker
Matt Webster
Mary Hetherington
Contacting the group:
Any of the group would be more than happy to discuss your thoughts or answer your questions on the project so please feel free to approach them (they don’t bite much).
Alternatively you can e-mail the group by sending an email to cornerstone@stjamescarlisle.org.uk
Or you can write to them by sending a letter to the Parish Office
