LATEST NEWS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
Month Two - Establishing firm foundations
Although there isn't a lot to see above ground yet, a huge amount of work took place below ground level throughout the month of December, with some "interesting" results. Early on during the excavation of the foundations we discovered a cave in the sandstone cliff backing onto the site. Although there are caves underneath large parts of the City of Nottingham, we didn't really expect to find one here as the Castle Boulevard site is located on the former route of a river. We have also uncovered old foundations from buildings that were on the site before the MFI buildings were built. This has all had to be cleared away to make room for the new foundations and drainage, etc.
Any builder will tell you that the excavation and laying of the foundations is the highest risk phase of any new building project. This is because it is never possible to know for certain what lies beneath the ground until you actually start to dig. I heard of one project to build a school extension on their playing fields that uncovered a complete, fully tiled swimming pool just below the surface!
It is vital to get the foundations right as it goes without saying that this is the hardest thing to put right later on. The foundations are the most important part of any building and yet they lie unseen throughout the whole of a building's life irrespective of any changes in its usage or external appearance. It is therefore no surprise that the Bible uses the building metaphor of foundations to illustrate the need for our lives to be built on something that will stand the tets of time. With our building's foundations nearly complete, it is our prayer that Cornerstone Church will remain firmly built on Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone and that His Word will continue to underpin all that we seek to do in generations to come.
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
One month down, one building down!
One month into the construction and the former MFI showroom has now gone! The site looks very different to how it did a few weeks ago at the ground-breaking ceremony, that's for sure!
Today we had an amazing rainbow over the site, which was a timely reminder of God's promises to us and his faithful provision for all our needs. As we look back on how far God has brought us already, we can be encouraged that he will continue to help us face the different challenges ahead.
Next week, work will start on the foundations and piling as well as maintenance work on the retaining wall behind the site. Keep checking the webcam to keep an eye on progress!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
We're Underway!
After months of planning and preparation, the building work finally got underway this week.
On Tuesday 8th November, we held a ground-breaking ceremony on the site to officially mark the beginning of the construction phase of the project.
At the ceremony, Peter reminded us, 'we are building for a hundred years of gospel ministry because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for ever.'
The site has already been transformed with the arrival of site cabins and machinery and demolition is already well underway. We can now expect to see the site undergo a significant transformation as we move towards completion in August 2012.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27
Building Contractor Appointed
On Monday 10th October, we issued a letter of intent to GF Tomlinson Building Ltd. for the main building contract for the new Cornerstone Church Centre on Castle Boulevard.
This marks the end of a selection process that began in January with a long list of nearly 20 potential contractors. In July, six companies were shortlisted and invited to tender for the contract. Bids were received towards the end of August and GF Tomlinson were finally selected after final discussions on the scope and price of the contract.
A letter of intent signifies our commitment to the contract and enables the building contractor to dedicate additional resource to the project and start preliminary background work while the legal agreement is finalised and signed.
MONDAY, JULY 4
Church members approve the next step forward
On Thursday 23rd June, the church members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a special resolution to develop the Castle Boulevard site for Cornerstone's building project. This means that we are able to issue tender documents with a view to appointing a main building contractor. Please continue in prayer for the project, the plans and all those involved in the process.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Planning approval granted!
This afternoon, the Development Control Committee unanimously approved our application for the new church building on Castle Boulevard. This is a hugely significant milestone for the project as it enables us to proceed with the construction this year, subject to the church approving the financial plans next month.
Many thanks to everyone who has been praying for this meeting - it is tremendously encouraging to see the Lord's hand at work in each and every aspect of the project.
