After a transparent and open bidding process, Watford Council selected our application for the use of a 0.3 acre site behind Watford Museum for community use.

The centre will house the following activities:

      • a quality Fair Trade Community Cafe
      • auditorium, training rooms and children's facilities
      • a variety of childrens clubs and programmes
      • language and citizenship courses
      • vocational training and family learning

Our desire is to make an investment in the development of the town centre that goes beyond mere bricks and mortar:

  • an investment in peoples lives that enhances our local community
  • an investment that will benefit future generations

For more information/progress updates CLICK THIS LINK
 www.the-wellspring.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will it be situated?  

In response to the opportunity presented by Watford Council to develop a 0.33 acre portion of the former Watford Springs site (off lower High Street) for community use, we are proposing to develop The Wellspring Church Centre.

We believe that the southern half of the town centre needs a quality gathering place for those who live and work locally. We agree with Watford Council and local residents that the former Watford Springs site should not be solely redeveloped for housing.

Q: Why will it be called The Wellspring?

Our perception is that society in general is 'drying out' relationally and that work needs to be done to address the needs of children (especially in their early years), families and those who are disenfranchised in society.

Just as a spring brings life to its surrounding, we want The Wellspring to be a life-giving Centre in the heart of the town that will draw people together, rebuild and strengthens relationships and equip people for every aspect of life.

Q: What are your plans for an auditorium?

Of course we do want to include in the facility a well-proportioned space for us to use as a church to meet in on a Sunday. After nearly 20 years of meeting at Watford Girls Grammar School we are ready to create a space we can use more flexibly without having to set up and pack down every week. This would be on the first floor, adequately serviced by lifts and stairs.

We also see there is a need for top-quality conference and meeting facilities for local businesses. The main auditorium and other meeting rooms of varying sizes would be available for hire at competative rates.

Q: What do Watford Council think?

The Council understand our aims and we agree with them that, whilst the Centre would be funded and managed by Watford Community Church, it would be open to and provide a wide range of activities and services to the wider community.

Q: How will you pay for it?

We have already raised significant finance from the church members and Kingdom Bank Plc. We also had a freehold property in the town centre which we have sold. This makes the project feasible and ensures that, given the opportunity, we can follow through on our plans.

To cover the running costs of The Wellspring we anticipate hiring out the facilities to local businesses and community groups at competative rates.

The potential of the project to meet the extensive needs of local children and families will be greatly enhanced if we are successful in obtaining finance for some aspects of the project. This will enable us to extend our plans and bring greater community benefit.

Q: Who can I talk to about these plans?

You can discuss any questions/queries/comments with our Project Manager, Alan Palmer.

Please e-mail him at: alan@watfordcommunitychurch.org