The latest plans for the new Baptist church at Sheringham. Picture: SMG ARCHITECTS

The site for Sheringham Baptists’ new £1.6m church centre has now been cleared, following demolition of the old Abbeyfield House, and the generosity of church members which has provided enough funds for building work to start.

The brand new centre on Cromer Road will occupy a site almost three times as large as the current Holway Road premises. Contractors have been clearing the site, and foundations are about to be laid. It is expected that the steel frame will be put up in January.

Church pastor the Rev Bryan Pickard said: “This will be a superb modern purpose-built centre for the church and the community. It will not just be a worship centre, but will house a number of activities for the benefit of local people. We want this to be a place where Sheringham folk feel they call in and be a part of.”

A recent members’ gift day has raised donations and pledges amounting to £72,000, with offerings still coming in.

Church treasurer Chris Gould said: “We know that God wants us to build this new centre, and we are trusting Him for the funds. This is an amazing amount to have raised this time, however, as it follows three previous gift days, and comes at a time when regular giving for general church finances is also holding up well.”

Donations are now starting to arrive from grant-making trusts, and a grant of £20,000 from one source has just been announced. Local fund-raising has included book sales, a cosmetics evening, barn dance, and music night.

To support the project e-mail Chris Gould at treasurer@sheringhambaptistchurch.co.uk.

More information visit the website : www.sheringhambaptistchurch.co.uk.