Gympie Community Church plans new expansion at Southside, Qld

A popular church is planning to expand amid expectations its congregation will surge to more than double in the next few years. See the plans.

Gympie Community Church has lodged an application with the city’s Regional Council for approval to develop a new place of worship off Gardenia Court. Pictures: Development Application.

A 150-follower strong Gympie church is planning an expansion at the Southside amid forecasts its congregation will more than double in the next five years.

Gympie Community Church has lodged an application with the city’s regional council for approval to develop a new place of worship off Gardenia Court.

The plan includes building a single-storey building up to 8.5m high in the centre of the vacant 5.57ha block wedged between Wisteria Lane, Jasmine Ave and Sorensen Rd.

It will include a foyer, 350-seat auditorium, a meeting area capable of hosting 155 guests, conference and board rooms, and a “kids church”.

The church has an existing congregation of 150 members, the application says.

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Gympie Community Church has lodged an application with the city’s Regional Council for approval to develop a new place of worship off Gardenia Court. Picture: Development Application.

Its proposed building would cater for expected growth to about 350 members across the next five years.

The church’s current offices are at the corner of Pine and Myall Sts, and services are held at Cooloola Christian College’s Stan Baker Hall.

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Gympie Community Church’s proposed new building would cater for expected growth to about 350 members across the next five years. Picture: Development Application.

It wants to move them to the block about 3km away from the school.

Services at the new church, if approved, would be held twice a week from 9am-midday Sundays and potentially 6-9pm Sundays depending on its growth, and youth groups on Fridays from 7pm-9pm.

The plan includes building a single-storey building up to 8.5m high in the centre of the vacant 5.57ha block wedged between Wisteria Lane, Jasmine Ave and Sorensen Rd. Picture: Development Application.

A “mums and bubs” group would be held once per week, while it would also host Bible studies “two or three days per week” and community organisations including Alcoholics Anonymous.

Larger events including Christmas carols and Easter services are expected to be held up to six times a year, the application says.

Weddings and funerals would also be held at the church.

Parking for 65 cars would be initially provided, and later expanded to 89 spots.

The council has not yet made any decision on the church’s application.

Originally published as Gympie Community Church plans new expansion at Southside, Qld