A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise £1.5 million to replace a dilapidated church hall.
The Parish Dell Project, a group of 25 members from the congregations of St George's and St Giles' churches in Ashtead, is hoping to raise the funds to build a new parish hall.
The current prefabricated structure, in the grounds of 12th century St Giles' Church, is 40 years old but was built to last just 20 years.
"The time has come to replace the hall," said the Rector of Ashtead, the Reverend Dr Bob Kitely.
"We are an active and growing church and, as a result, we need more space to house our expanding children's ministry, to help people grow in their spiritual journeys and to increase our community engagement."
The project was officially launched by the group last month, but members have been working on plans for the past couple of years.
The demolition of the existing hall and building the new one is expected to cost £2 million, and £600,000 has already been collected from the churches' funds.
Ashtead resident Jan Barker, leader of the project, said: "The current facility is a prefabricated wooden building and it's just dilapidated.
"Some of the wood is rotting in places and we've had the roof leaking in the rain. The heating goes wrong every so often too.
"It's just past its sell-by date really. We also feel we need larger accommodation because there's more things going on with our church outreach.
"But the main reason for the project is that the present building is no longer fit for purpose.
"We are really excited about creating a centre which is modern and comfortable and which can provide flexible accommodation.
"It will be in harmony with the lovely setting, keeping a low profile but allowing for lots of light to come into the building."
A design for the new hall has been created but has not yet received permission from Mole Valley District Council and the Diocese of Guildford.
It is hoped the funds and planning permission will be secured for the work to start next spring.
Villagers living near the hall should have received leaflets about the project and an information morning earlier this month attracted 25 people.
For more information on the project, call the parish's communication manager Mary-Beth Hawrish on 07956 108882, or e-mail mary-beth.hawrish@ashteadparish.org.
