POTENTIAL plans for a new multi-million pound development in Flintshire have been revealed. 

Last month, the Leader reported that Rivertown United Reformed Church (URC) in Shotton was 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

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Following the public consultation, which enabled the team in Shotton to identify many other support and entertainment services that may be added to the site, the plans for the redevelopment have been revealed. 

The plans have been put together by Ainsley Gommon Architects. 

Chris Byrne, an Elder at Rivertown URC and Project Lead, said: “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."

“We want to throw our doors open wide to people and community groups,” added Chris.

“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.”