Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church lodges plans for new church

Parishioners of the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church could be worshipping in bigger and better surrounds if the Bundaberg Regional Council approves a church proposal to develop the old squash courts site.

Parishioners of the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church could receive an improved place of worship if a development application for a new church is given the green light by Bundaberg Regional Council.

Parishioners of the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church could receive an improved place of worship if a development application for a new church is given the green light by Bundaberg Regional Council.

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An application lodged by Insite SJC on behalf of the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church proposes to convert a disused squash court and gym at 22 Lord St, Childers into a place of worship.

Parishioners of the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church could receive an improved place of worship if a development application for a new church is given the green light by Bundaberg Regional Council.

With the existing church at 6 Broadhurst St having size and infrastructure constraints, the plans propose internal renovations to the 360sq m building to create a large chapel area with a lounge or club room, store room, tea room and toilet facilities.

The external features of the building will remain largely unchanged, with the exception of the creation of 10 car parking spaces in a paved area at the front of the building.

The landscaping and fencing around the property will be refreshed to minimise the impact of the church on neighbouring residents.

The Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church sees the new facility as an opportunity for the existing congregation to expand and share their community services to new and existing members, and also to other religious and non-religious community groups.

The plans propose internal renovations to the 360sq m building to create a large chapel area with a lounge or club room, store room, tea room and toilet facilities.

The proposal states the congregation size will vary between 60 and 100 people, with the largest number of people expected to use the church between 9-10am on Sundays.

Around 30-45 vehicles are expected to be parked at and around the church at this time, with the Sunday service including up to 30 minutes of acoustic and amplified music.

Apart from the church services, the facility is expected to have some short-term use by Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and a domestic violence outreach group on Mondays at 10-12noon and Thursdays at 12-2pm respectively, and a church community fortnightly games night on Fridays 6-8pm.

The proposal said these activities were not expected to generate noise.

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The Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church was contacted for comment.