Church eyes empty offices for place of worship and 'gatherings'

Empty offices in Leicestershire could soon be the home of a Pentecostal church. The space above a former estate agents in Fennel Street, Loughborough town centre, was previously used as an education 'hub' to give guidance to young people.

But the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Cornerstone Parish, currently based at the town’s John Storer House, wants to hold services in the offices, as well as use them as a base for community outreach initiatives. An application submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for a proposed change of use for the first floor of 7-9 Fennel Street states minimal alterations would be made inside the building, and that there would not be any external changes, if the plan was approved.

Planning documents read: “The proposed use aligns with the community's need for a place of worship and gathering, and we are committed to being responsible neighbours and contributing positively to the local area. The church will contribute positively to the community by providing a place for religious worship, gatherings, and potential outreach programs.”

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The church runs a community kitchen, an airport pick-up service for international students and a children’s summer club, among other initiatives. The ground floor of the building has previously been an estate agent's and an employment agency.