By Isle of Wight Observer
Newport Minster will re-open to the public next Wednesday, following a £2.6m refurbishment project.
As well as work to conserve the exterior, including re-pointing, re-roofing, cleaning the stonework and restoration of the monuments, the inside has involved a complete reshaping. It now has underfloor heating, better toilets, a new kitchen, new seating, and new meeting rooms using local companies where possible. The main worship area includes 300 chairs that can be moved to provide a flexible space. It will also include proper café facilities. The building has also been made accessible. The idea is that it should now become a magnet for community groups, as well as a spiritual hub for the Island.
Whilst most of the old pews have gone, one has been incorporated into the wall of a meeting room, as a reminder of the past and to provide extra seating.
While the refurbishment has been taking place, worshippers have met for regular services in the nearby parish hall. They’ll return to Newport Minster for the re-opening service, which takes place at 5.30pm on Wednesday (May 1), with the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost.
Team vicar, Rev Emma Cooksey, said: “As a staff team, we’ve been following closely the refurbishment, and are delighted with the quality of the workmanship, most of which has been by locals. We’re really looking forward to being able to show it off from May onwards.
“The new facilities will enable us to do what we’ve been aspiring to do for years: to be a thriving hub at the centre of our community. We’re looking forward to welcoming the community into the building.”
Hannah Griffiths, who helps lead the toddler group based at the Minster, said: “We’re so excited about moving the Play Cafe into the Minster in May. The extra space will be invaluable as we are starting to outgrow the space in the parish hall, and the new six-slice toaster will really help with snack time!”