Christian charity still searching for permanent home as potential deal collapses

The Parish Trust is still searching for a new home after a possible deal to find a permanent headquarters fell through.

The charity has to leave St Thomas’ Church, Trethomas, by December 22 this year having been served an eviction notice by the Church in Wales (CiW).

However, after a possible deal recently collapsed, the trust has announced it has had to take a lease out on a unit on Bedwas House Industrial Estate, where it can still support the community through its CARE Project.

In a press release, the Christian charity said it entered “extensive negotiations” in early 2024 to purchase a freehold property which was to serve as its new home.

However, after “delays in the legal process” and the loss of an investor, the deal collapsed and the trust had to look elsewhere.

The charity said it went back to the CiW looking for a possible extension, despite the original lease offering no promise of one, but was told that wasn’t possible.

With a three-year lease now secured on a unit in Bedwas, the trust says it will continue to support the community through the CARE Project uninterrupted, and hopes to be fully set-up by January 2025.

On the situation, Reverend Dean Roberts, CEO at the trust, said: “While it is disappointing that we couldn’t finalise the purchase of a permanent headquarters, we are incredibly grateful to have secured a unit at Bedwas House Industrial Estate to continue our CARE Project.

“This period of transition brings challenges, but we remain committed to serving our community and achieving the dream of reopening Bryn Hall.

“We deeply appreciate all the support we’ve received so far and will continue to communicate our progress every step of the way.”

There is more positive news with regards to Bryn Hall, which is near St Thomas’ Church and is currently undergoing renovation to become a “versatile and family-centric space”.

The trust said how the project has received “overwhelming” support from the local community, and has confirmed part of the recent £100,000 National Lottery grant it received will go towards the renovation.

In a statement, the trust said: “We are confident that many of our remote and online projects will continue without interruption, and the organisation is actively developing creative solutions to ensure the continuity of its in-person activities.

“While the move from St. Thomas’ Church will bring some changes, particularly for youth and children’s programmes, this period of transition is viewed as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

“The youth and children’s team is already exploring new partnerships and venues to enhance the delivery of these important services.

“The Parish Trust remains committed to ensuring minimal disruption and will keep families and participants fully informed as these new opportunities emerge.”

To help with the move and other projects, the trust has called on volunteers to get in touch, or donate via its website.

You can email the trust at office@theparishtrust.org.uk for more information.