A CONSULTATION is set to take place over plans for a multi-million pound project in Flintshire

Rivertown United Reformed Church (URC) is seeking views from the community to help shape its new community hub project.

A complete reordering is set to take place inside the building to create more space for community use including a cafe, two large halls, meeting rooms, changing places and a performing arts space. 

The site in Shotton gained planning permission for its project last year, and work is expected to start in the autumn and be completed by Christmas 2025.

The overall cost is estimated at £2m with more than £800,000 already secured, subject to the remainder being raised.

A large sum of the money raised so far has come through Welsh Government funding. While there are other funding applications in progress, in a bid to reach the total of £2.1m

Once completed, the project aims to provide more accessible facilities and develop a wide range of community activities. 

On Tuesday, June 25 from 3-5pm and from 6-8pm, the church in Chester Road West will hold a consultation event open to all and with free refreshments included.

The consultation hopes to ascertain what facilities and activities the community will find beneficial.

“We want to throw our doors open wide to people and community groups,” said Chris Byrne, an Elder at Rivertown URC and Project Lead.

“Of course we’re open on Sundays for worship, but we’re also open every weekday and our aim is to create a facility Deeside will be proud of, a ‘one stop shop’ where you can go and find a range of activities, entertainment and support.”

“We really want to put our building to good use and we will not serve the community well if we don't listen to their needs and work towards meeting these needs so we could really do with gaining further insight from the residents of Shotton and Deeside about what their needs are and look at how Rivertown can help deliver that so that we can put the building to good use,” said Chris.

Ideas gained from previous consultations include a community cinema, bingo, mental health support, advice and support.

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“The architects are now at the detailed planning and costing stage and the project team are working hard on grant funding and continued community engagement,” added Chris.

“We’re already working closely with Flintshire County Council, Theatre Clwyd, Coleg Cambria and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, along with third sector groups which already use the building to consider what may be included in a weekly programme of activities.

“Rivertown already has a history of supporting the community and this consultation ensures that we continue that tradition."