A NEW multi-million dollar development shines behind the trees on Bendooley Street, Bowral.
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St Jude's Anglican Church in Bowral has received a $3.5 million facelift with the development of a revitalised church complex and the erection of the St Jude's Christian Education Centre.
St Jude's Anglican Church, Bowral reverend Stephen Fifer said the renovations were building for the future.
"We have two very traditional services in the old church and we have two very contemporary services which will be held in the new space," Rev Fifer said.
"We wanted to encourage families and teenagers to use the space, because we think they are the future of the church."
The renovations started in March 2014 and are expected to be completed this week.
They include a whole range of additions including a new foyer, auditorium, children's area with an outdoor play are, kitchen, toilets, offices and meeting rooms.
There is a link from the old church to the new complex, but the heritage and traditional aesthetics of the 1887 building have been kept in tact.
"What we have built is more than double the size of the buildings on the same side of the road but we have hidden it," Rev Fifer said.
"We have kept the heritage feel of the street and old buildings.
"We didn't want to change the old church. It's a beautiful old building."
The new complex features a gas fire for people to sit and congregate around and televisions have been installed throughout the new spaces. The televisions can be programmed to the old church and auditorium so people can see what is happening in the two spaces. The auditorium is built for 250 people and Rev Fifer said it was built with attention to good acoustics, sound and audio-visuals.
More than a third of the money was raised from donations from the congregations and some was raised from property sales.
The official opening of the new space will be on Sunday, March 22 at 10.30am, where all other services will be cancelled and replaced with a big 10.30am service to launch the new complex.
On Saturday, March 14 from 9am to 1pm, the new complex will be open for inspection for people to have a cuppa and walk around.
Details: www.bowralanglican.org.au/
