Welwyn Garden City redevelopment

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Transformation of the Focolare Centre for Unity,

Welwyn Garden City: 2007-2010

The Focolare Centre for Unity has two important roles: acting as a home for the Focolare Movement in Great Britain and serving as a significant point of convergence for the Churches and the ecumenical movement and also for inter-religious dialogue. The building is being transformed to reflect better the ideal of unity and communion of the Focolare Movement according to the needs and expectations of our times. Parts of the original building and facilities are in need of considerable upgrading and renewal.

Following the approval of the planning application by Welwyn Hatfield Council in April 2006, and through donations, legacies and funds raised by friends all over Great Britain (see diagram), the first phase of the works started in January this year. This comprises the relocation of the reception area (see picture of arches), the enlargement of the chapel, modernising the bedrooms and refurbishing meeting rooms, putting in a lift and facilities for disabled people. This phase is expected to be completed by autumn 2007.

The second phase will be a newly built multi-functional meeting hall, administration offices and seminar rooms, replacing the old dining room building. The third phase will carry out the modernisation of the existing first floor bedrooms and conversion of loft space.