Modernisation of the main auditorium at Life Church, Timaru is bringing a new lease of life for this well-used facility.
The iconic Life Church building on Morgans Road, Timaru is receiving a stylish 21st - Century makeover. The octagonal auditorium was a 1970s wood-panelled masterpiece in its day, featuring heavy wooden beams in a vaulted roof, Oregon T&G walls and an expansive, rich red carpet. Forty years on, the carpet was referred to as the Red Sea, the panelling looked a bit “Kumbaya” and it was time for an upgrade.
2020 is the year of transformation for this well-used community hub. Five years of careful consultation, planning and fund-raising has culminated in a grand makeover bringing this much-loved building into the modern age.
The stage and baptism pool take shape
“This building provides services for the whole community – not just church members,” says pastor Gordon Rosewall. “Modernising it will better enable us to fulfil that purpose.”
Now completing the carpentry work, Harding Construction has been involved since the project’s inception.
“A development like this needs a lot of support from the outset to make sure it all goes right,” says Simon Harding, Managing Director of Harding Construction. “This is a prime example of how Early Contractor Involvement is of great benefit to the client.”
Regular site visits and discussions with the church committee are an important part of the revamp process.
Pastor Gordon explains how important it was that the church received realistic feedback, practical design ideas and budgeting information throughout the process. “Harding Construction has provided ongoing input, improving designs and finding cost-saving measures to help make this dream a reality,” he says.
Major renovations are expected to be completed by the end of March, with minor extras to be done as budgeting allows. “It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project,” says Harding. “We know how important it is for Life Church and the wider community.”
Work is progressing well in the main church auditorium.
Business as usual: Sunday morning services continue throughout the modernisation process.
