By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans have been submitted for a new church centre on a major road through Nottingham.
An application has been submitted to expand the current church centre next to St Nicholas Church – which is known as St. Nic’s, in Maid Marian Way.
The original rectory which is next to the church building, at 79 Maid Marian Way, is currently used as a children’s centre and church offices.
Despite a substantial refurbishment in 2009, documents say the church centre has “become inadequate for the present and future
needs”.
Plans submitted to Nottingham City Council this month by applicant Martyn Paradise seek to partly demolish the building and extend it to create facilities for community activities, café, training, resourcing and church offices.
A large multi-purpose hall for up to 200 people will also be created and used for smaller church services, meetings, lectures, sports and conferences.
The church was completed in 1678 after the original was destroyed
during the Civil War.
St Nic’s is a landmark, Grade Two Listed Building and a “very popular
and busy place of worship” according to council documents.
The church works with children and young people, families, students, international students, refugees, people with special needs
and those involved in the night time economy.
The application said: “There is an increasing requirement for more operational space, large social space, utility areas and income generation areas.
“The building is in need of modernisation and upgrading to suit its
purpose, so that the services it offers can be expanded and improved.
“This will also involve making the building fully accessible.”
A previous application for the site in 2020 was approved but did not materialise.
A statement on the St Nic’s website said: “St Nic’s stands beside a major thoroughfare, and we have amazing opportunities to serve people drawn to Nottingham from all over the world.
“Our vision is that 79 Maid Marian Way will be like a tree of life in the city centre, providing nourishment and healing.
“It will be a place where relationships can be built, leading to community, and exploring faith.”
