1996

In the autumn a small group began to discuss the possible redevelopment of our old building.

1998

In October the church agreed to commission plans, and in December held a Pledge Day when God inspired a smallish congregation to pledge a very substantial sum towards the cost of rebuilding.

1999–2000

Plans were drawn up, modified and submitted for planning approval, which was granted in October 2000; a second Pledge Day was held in December.

2002

David Grindley Associates were appointed to develop the plans for construction; significant problems were identified in the original design, and DGA produced a new design which after much prayer was accepted by the church in December. A major feature of the new design was to be a basement which would provide space for youth and children's work as well as other activities.

2003

The new design was submitted for approval. We saw an amazing answer to prayer in April when, although the Planning Officer recommended refusal, planning permission was granted by the local Area Committee of the City Council, and emphatically confirmed by the central Strategic Development and Control Committee.

2004

The final service in the old building was held on 22nd February, and we began holding our Sunday services in St Andrew's School. In August the old building was demolished.

2005

Kingerlee Ltd began work on site in April. There were many challenges in the construction process including working on a restricted site in a residential area and problems in the ground necessitating additional expenditure on piling and underpinning a neighbouring house. God provided many encouragements along the way and despite rising costs and a longer than expected construction period, we can testify to his faithfulness through all the years of the project.

2006

On 6th November we celebrated with the opening service in our new building - a wonderful time of thanksgiving and of looking forward to the future. We are so thankful for the way God is using his people at HBC and for all the opportunities we have to reach out to others with the building he's given us.

The history of HBC