Dignitaries, clergy and community members arrived in Truro to celebrate the official opening of a church community hall after its £1.7m revamp.

The Lifehouse, part of All Saints Highertown (ASH) church, is a purpose-built community hub with café, toilets, a Changing Places room, information point and large and small spaces for community groups to meet.

Its official opening was held on September 26 and saw a number of VIPs invited including Bishop of Truro, The Right Reverend Bishop David Williams, The Right Reverend Bishop Hugh Nelson of St Germans; Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth; Councillor Rob Nolan, Chair of Cornwall Council and Mayor of Truro, Councillor Chris Wells and more.Bishops and dignitary in an entrance of the building ready to cut the ribbon in front of them.

Musician Rhys Wynne-Jones, sometimes known as Mystery Nighthchurch Pianist, also attended and played for guests.

Bishop Hugh Nelson said: “The vision for the Lifehouse came from the needs of the local communities and from deep prayer. It has taken incredible faith, persistence and hard work to get to this point.

“It is wonderful to see the open doors, the warm welcome and the community already making use of this beautiful space.”

Majella Scott-Whelan, director of International Diversity Food Festival for Cornwall CIC (IDFFC), says she will be using the facility for their festival on November 29.

She said the more she sees the Lifehouse building, the more she falls in love with it.

“The Lifehouse is amazing,” she added.

Chris Dayus, Member of ASH Parochial Church Council and member of the Lifehouse planning group, said people had already booked in to use the facilities.

“To see the place full of people is exciting,” she said. “It is why it was built. This is the start of things to come, I am looking forward to the community using it.”

Image shows an entrance to the Lifehouse. There is a white wall with the logo on and underneath are glass doors.Church members have been working hard to make this space a reality since it was first envisaged in 2016. The old hall on the site has been knocked down to make room for the new hub. It has been carefully thought through – right down to the colour of the café furniture – in order that it is accessible to all, makes everyone feel welcome and includes carbon cutting features.

There has been much fundraising by ASH congregation to see this project come to fruition. Other money has come from private funders and bodies such as Cornwall Council – Truro Diocesan Board of Finance also gave assistance with the provision of a loan for £150,000 towards costs.

Building work is supported by funders including Cornwall Council, The Shared Prosperity Fund – Good Growth Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Truro Diocese, and a number of charitable foundations, trusts and private donors. Other funds have come from donations and proceeds from fundraising events organised by the congregation.