Dyke Church and hall renovation project completes second phase
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A LOCAL church has completed the second part of its three-phase renovation project.
Work to create new toilet facilities at Dyke Church, dedicated by Reverend Richard Moffat at the Sunday service on November 21, is now complete.
Project co-ordinator, Martin Harker, confirmed the improvements are another step towards making the church and hall disability-compliant.
He said: “It’s great to see our vision for this vital community facility taking shape. We are extremely grateful for funding from FCC Communities Foundation and others including Moray Presbytery, The Baird Trust, Berry Burn Community Fund, Scotland’s Churches Trust, The Ferguson Bequest Fund, Allchurches Trust Ltd., The Garfield Weston Foundation and The Beatrice Laing Trust, and, not least, the local community. We are now planning the next phase of the project, improvements to the church hall.”
Phase 2 of the Access Project included: an old kitchen extension which now houses the toilets being underpinned and the structure stabilised; provision of baby changing facilities; bringing the fire escape up to standard; making the door to the sanctuary soundproof; creating wheelchair spaces in the worship area; and improving heating, lighting, ventilation, insulation and decoration of the toilet and corridor area.
The total cost of the work was £79,432.
A disabled toilet is now accessible from the sanctuary. The improvements have inspired volunteers to repaint the church hall - which is ready for use - and work is also underway to provide a kitchenette as a temporary measure.
FCC Communities Foundation awards grants for community projects through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Senior grant manager, Richard Smith, said: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded open and ready. The improvements will provide lasting benefits for all users.”
He added: “We are always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”
In 2017, phase one provided disability-compliant access from the village hall car park. A new footpath was constructed, the old churchyard wall rebuilt, fencing erected and lighting installed.
Phase three involves refurbishment of the church hall. Forres-based firm LDN Architects have been appointed to draw up the specification.
