River Church Whitsundays unveils Cannon Valley building plans

The church is currently holding services in a private home but it has grand plans to build a large complex over two stages. See the details for the first time.

Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

A religious organisation has unveiled plans to bring more Whitsunday region families into its Christian-fold with a large, new church.

River Church Whitsundays currently runs out of a private home in Airlie Beach but has owned a 2ha parcel of land since 2016 “for the purposes of constructing a church”.

A development application submitted to Whitsunday Regional Council outlines a two-stage build at 1668 Shute Harbour Rd in Cannon Valley.

“Stage 1 proposes a new church building that will hold the main auditorium and stage, staffroom, children’s church rooms A and B, green room, kitchen amenities and a small church shop,” documents state.

“Stage 2 proposes another new church building which will hold a new auditorium and stage, additional staff rooms and green room, additional kitchen, and amenities including a mother’s room.

The designs for the new River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

“A room for the storage of goods and charitable donations is also proposed.”

Stage 1 would open by late 2023, with Stage 2 to follow in 2026.

Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

Documents state Stage 1 would allow about 20 family groups to attend a Sunday morning service with this expanding to 40 groups once Stage 2 is complete.

There are also plans for a Friday night youth group, a Sunday night service, “youth social, educational and religious activities”, and weekly bible studies.

Inside Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

“The (church) will provide the town of Whitsunday with an additional place of worship which is a much-needed community facility for the town,” the application states.

It adds the non-denominational River Church would open its church to all denominations, including to host funerals.

If approved, the maximum height of the church buildings – taking up almost 1000 sqm of land – would be 7.9m, with car access via the Puma service station driveway.

The car park includes 46 spaces including a spot for a hearse.

To the east of the site are rural residential lots, to the south is Rewards Hospitality and Whitsunday Transit, and to the west is Whitsunday Caravan, Camping and Trailer Centre.

Originally published as River Church Whitsundays unveils Cannon Valley building plans