Church of the Ascension Hall Improvements, Church of the Ascension, Wall Heath, West Midlands

This is a project to install nine double glazed windows and provide new bathroom facilities with hot water to the hall at the Church of the Ascension in Wall Heath.

The Church of the Ascension is an inclusive community church which requires major updates to be made to the hall. The church is in the process of upgrading the kitchen to a commercial catering grade style, allowing it to host more community events and functions. However, due to the expected increase in users, there is a requirement for urgent works to the bathroom facilities. This will include removal of items stored in the bathrooms and therefore a need to create new storage areas within the hall, and for windows to be double glazed to improve the heat retention and security.

The wish is to be able to offer modern and welcoming facilities, that will support the various groups that use the hall, as well as the wider community. The bathroom facilities need updating as currently there is insufficient lighting, no hot water, two sinks out of use and no adequate gender-neutral space. In addition, the windows need to be double glazed as the hall is extremely cold in the winter which means that it is unpleasant and uncomfortable to use, with many users bringing blankets or hot water bottles.

The church is situated in the heart of a small village with a population of 4500 with its sister church of St Mary’s Church in Kingswinford (22,000 population). The church is a key part of the village with a link to Church of the Ascension school and many local businesses.