Battle against the Great British Weather

Words by: Nigel Dickson

Photos by: Julie Harris 

Despite the dismal weather of the summer things are very much still on track for us to be in before Christmas. According to site manager, David Leigh, the highly favourable weather conditions from October 2011 through to April 2012 meant that, after the initial delay in disconnecting the gas supply, work progressed very steadily, and once the main stretches of roof were in place it was a generally straightforward task to attend to the internal aspects of the building process.

That said, the roof is going on now and it’s proving to be a very complex job, with multiple contractors, challenges with the weather, and dependencies on other jobs like the rendering which you can start to see on the Washway Road side of the building.

However, despite the distinct lack of sunshine it’s far from doom and gloom!  A quick nose around the inside of the building, shows what an impressive place is taking shape.  The top floor is amply equipped with office spaces, a small kitchen and toilets for those who will be busy working there.  There’s even a shower room for anyone who works up a significant sweat during the day! 

The first floor is the main attraction with a good-sized auditorium which will have double the capacity of the Kings Centre; a broad (if not particularly deep) stage, including a back stage area with male and female changing rooms; seminar rooms; large kitchen and serving area; and the usual ladies and gents conveniences.  

There is an 'exterior ground floor' providing car-parking space, beneath the main auditorium. 

On the interior ground floor you'll find the café space, and it’s also where the community centre rooms are going to be situated.With plastering complete, it just needs the decorators in to put our colour schemes into place.  The predominant colour will be ‘skimming stone’, with a touch of ‘elephant’s breath’ here and there.  The mind boggles, doesn’t it?   In the past, these might have been termed respectively ‘grey’ or ‘magnolia’, but ssshhh – don’t tell anyone else that!  I mean, magnolia – how passé!   Do not worry, however, the décor will be far from bland with splash accents of blue, orange, green and yellow all to be given their place. Wait and see... it’s going to be great!

Close to completion then is the guttering.  Sanitary-ware is all delivered and awaits fitting. Electrics are in place, and - once the ceilings are hung - the light fittings can be fixed as well.  Virtually all the windows are done, and it should not be long at all before the scaffolding comes down.

So, provided there is nothing else to queer the pitch, we’ll soon be seeing the LifeCentre in its full glory.  When asked if he gained satisfaction from seeing a building such as this constructed, David Leigh said, “A building such as this? Yes. This is a great building – one that will certainly outlive me!”

Remember that the fundraising is still very much active with just over 100,000 to find before the end of the year (God has provided nearly 150,000 since January!!) and we're holding a fantastic Champagne and Fireworks Spectacular at Old Trafford on 3rd November. Book your tickets here.

To God be the glory.