Redundant chapel could be child therapy clinic

Thursday 10 May 2018

Galaad Chapel could be used as a children's therapy clinic and climbing centre in future, if an application for a change of use are approved by the Development and Planning Authority.

Dimi Hutchinson who owns and runs Avenue Clinic has identified the site as suitable for both a child therapy clinic and a climbing and activity centre, which would be used therapeutically but also open to the general public.

In the planning application Ms Hutchinson states: "The aim is to make it (predominately) a children's therapy clinic, as well as a climbing activity centre. I am hoping to set up a variety of activities in the front including a low level climbing walls, which will be used therapeutically in a variety of ways including to help increase core stability, strength and fitness especially in children. The climbing wall will also be made suitable for children, adults with disabilities as well as those without, so it would be a fully inclusive facility."

Pictured: Bouldering wall illustrated

Ms Hutchinson also states in her planning application that she wishes the venue to be a new facility for all: "I also aim to have the climbing facilities and activities open to the public and so this will give another option for families as wall as making it a valuable community resource. It will be suitable for all ages and provide a great exercise/activity option. It will also help make the treatment and charitable components easier to support. There are currently no other bouldering climbing facilities in Guernsey that are easily assessable to the public. The climbing walls that do exist have restricted access."

Ms Hutchinson now owns the building and in a letter supporting the sale of the Church the Reverend Dr David Hinchliffe, Superintendent Minister summarised the closure of the church was due to it being no longer financially sustainable and also as it was 'almost impossible' to appoint church members to the key offices of the church. 

Pictured: Ms Hutchinson (Dimi Argyros)

Ms Hutchinson further highlights this summarising that the change of use would not have an impact on neighbouring properties or the surrounding areas. She writes: "The building has been redundant for nearly two years as confirmed by Dr Hinchliffe. Conversion will enable this building to once again become a beneficial social and community hub, suitable for all. The external structural appearance of the building will not be altered. The building is of sound and substantial construction and requires only minor refurbishment and doesn't require extensive alteration or rebuilding for conversion."

Talking to Express this week Ms Hutchinson, who is known more by her professional name 'Dimi Argyros', said: "The primary aim of the centre will be to help people build core stability in a fun way so that people strengthen muscles without even knowing, I am hoping it will be a facility for families to enjoy together."

Since buying the building she has been clearing out some remaining furniture and said: "I am still hoping to hear from anyone who would like a traditional church organ as I am needing to clear this out. I also have a giant cross is anyone is interested!."

If all goes to plan it is hoped that the facility may be up and running by the end of the year. 

Pictured main image: Galaad Methodist Church