Last Friday saw the end of a six-year project to secure the future of All Saints church in Lymington. Services in the church ceased in 2013, but Lymington PCC were determined that this lovely building should not stand idle but should continue to be used for the benefit of the community. The solution was for the PCC to retain the Chancel of the church for occasional Christian worship and to lease the Nave, Hall and grounds to a nursery and pre-school provider. In 2015, a tender exercise was carried out and Tops Day Nurseries were selected.
There then followed a lengthy period of consultation and discussion with the Church Commissioners, the Diocese of Winchester and the NFDC Planning and Conservation departments about the changes needed to enable this historic building to be used in this way. In October 2020, planning permission was finally granted and this year has seen a new underfloor heating system, together with low and high temperature radiators being installed; new toilets built for the children, the whole building redecorated and new LED lights fitted. Outside, an acoustic fence has been built around the play area and new hedges planted. If you would like to find out more about the work completed at the church click here.
It was therefore with a huge sense of achievement that the PCC and Tops Day Nurseries arranged for the Mayor of Lymington & Pennington, Cllr James Hoare to come and re-open the buildings. 70 guests, including two former mayors, were present as he, the Vicar of Lymington the Reverend Canon Peter Salisbury, and the Managing Director of Tops, Cheryl Hadland, proudly watched two pre-school children undo a ribbon at the door to declare the buildings open.
Following the reopening, Tops Lymington is now ready for the next cohort of children to benefit from the opportunities we can offer. Find out more about Tops Lymington here
We’re always on the lookout for interesting and exceptional people to join our fun, motivated family – Tops Lymington are currently hiring for a variety of positions including Level 2, Level 3 Early Years Educator, Casal Nursery Practitioner and Nursery Room Manager. Discover the benefits of working with us and get in touch.
