Families in Christchurch have visited the new Beacon Centre for the first time at a community open day.
Residents were welcomed into the new building on Saturday morning, with activities including a BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting, refreshments and crafts as part of the first wider public event at the centre.
The day also included an official opening ceremony, attended by church leaders, guests and representatives from the construction team, before a thanksgiving and dedication service was held later in the day.
Former Mayor of Christchurch Councillor Viv Charrett joined author and speaker Reverend Andrew Ollerton outside the building for the formal opening, marking the completion of just over a year of construction.
Church minister and team leader Chris Brockway said it was “a real joy” to welcome families into The Beacon Centre and see people discovering the building for the first time.
He said the project had “always been about creating a space for the whole community” and added it was “wonderful to see that becoming a reality.”
The Beacon Centre will continue to be the home of Christchurch Baptist Church, which has been based in Bargates for 151 years, while also offering new facilities for wider community use.
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