The Cornerstones project is an exciting new concept for outreach with the declared aim of the Church reaching out and becoming more involved in the life of the community in Chester-le-Street, and for the community to be brought into the life of the Church.

Traditionally, in addition to the normal Sunday services, our Church has always provided a wide range of social activities covering most age groups. However, in 2004 we became increasingly aware that the changing nature of society was creating many new demands and pressures on people.

Extensive research was carried out to identify current needs within the community, and over the past few years steps have been taken to provide new services and facilities for some groups where particular problems exist.  But, with our premises having an occupancy of over 90% it soon became clear that if we were to achieve our aims we would have to make more space available.  We were facing the added problem that some of our ancillary premises, built in 1886, were in urgent need of repair and unsuitable for current needs.

After having an independent Feasibility Study carried out it was decided to embark upon a major capital project, which would replace the old Victorian building, upgrade the front of the ancillary premises facing the market place, and refurbish the kitchen.  In addition, we decided to employ a full-time Development Officer who would play an important role in helping to achieve our aims. 

As the total cost of the whole project was estimated to be well in excess of £1 million it was decided that each of these initiatives should to be regarded as separate phases of the overall project and only be carried out when the necessary funds were available.

Plans were drawn up and local authority planning approval was granted. By 2006 all preparatory arrangements had been completed and we could concentrate our efforts on gathering together the necessary resources to make our vision a reality.