Click here to download the Building Project Vision Statement

The project will address multi-stranded problems in an imaginative way. Our focus is on building community, overcoming isolation and encouraging inclusion and integration.

By bringing the building back to life we will develop a community facility (including respite care facilities, supported housing and community space), an educational exhibition on slavery and social justice, a place of worship, outdoor space employment and volunteering opportunities.

The church is situated at a key intersection between Toxteth, the docklands and the city centre, an area which was previously industrial and is currently being developed as a residential district. St James will provide the area with much needed community facilities and cohesion.

Activities that we are planning include:

• Refurbish the existing church building as an exhibition/conference/performance/worship space.
• Develop a new community building in the site (including offices for social/community focused organisations, seminar/conference rooms, respite care facilities, educational suite, community space).
• Develop a social enterprise to manage and run the centre.
• Landscape the grounds as an open space for the community.
• Research further the history of the church and it’s link with slavery.
• Gather and record stories and memories linked with the church from the local community.
• Run an educational exhibition on slavery and social justice, including workshops to learn about the heritage of the St James’ and wider social justice issues.
• Consult the local community on the use of the community space and grounds – carry out a community audit.
• Conduct a feasibility study on social business’ that could be developed at St James’ to provide training and employment.
• Provide employment and volunteering opportunities.
• Develop a booklet/leaflet distributed to local tourist information centres.
• Run conservation tours of the building and grounds, including educational packs for schools.
• Use of the building by proposed partners will involve commercial, arts, cultural and social activities.