About: Fullarton Vision Buildings

After much wrestling with ideas over several years and discussion about the future of our buildings at Fullarton, the congregation agreed in April 2006 that:

• The demolition of our existing buildings and redevelopment of the site be further investigated; and
• Architects be appointed to prepare a "scheme design" based on this option for discussion with North Ayrshire Council, Historic Scotland, and the Church of Scotland.

Angus Design Associates Ltd, architects, were then appointed to prepare a scheme design and in August an initial meeting was held with North Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland. Applications for Listed Building Consent for the demolition of the existing (listed) buildings and an application for planning permission for the redevelopment of the site require to be submitted to North Ayrshire Council for consideration before any definitive answer to our vision can be given.

A feasibility study prepared by the architect will allow us to discuss the proposals with the Church of Scotland General Trustees and the Presbytery of Irvine and Kilmarnock, before submitting the necessary applications for Listed Building Consent and planning permission.

How an exciting project such as this can be funded and implemented will require much prayerful consideration and sacrificial giving on the part of the congregation.

The architect's drawings are reproduced here and comments on the proposals are welcomed. It must be stressed at this time that these are not final plans of a scheme which we are committed to implement. The scheme design will simply allow us to take the next step and enable us to determine if the demolition of our existing buildings and redevelopment of the site can be achieved. A strong case demonstrating why we consider our existing buildings are no longer fit for purpose and justifying our view that modern up-to-date facilities are required to meet the needs of the church and community is being prepared to support the proposals.

We see this as an opportunity to make a difference. It's quite exciting, but also a little scary. We need lots of prayer!