Surrey-based Village Church aims to build a large new National Ministry Centre on vacant land on Highway 10.
Signs advertising the facility went up this week on a six-acre parcel off 148 Street, just west of the building where church headquarters are leased.
"We would like to break ground in mid-2025," the project website says. "Construction time is currently estimated at about 24 months."
Plans for the National Ministry Centre include an auditorium, atrium and bridge, a "family hangout zone," cafe, classrooms, daycare/preschool, conference space and more, shown in videos on nationalministrycentre.com.
"This Centre will serve as a beacon of transformation," the website boasts. "It’s not just a building; it’s a hub out of which leaders are developed, churches planted, disciples made, the next generation shaped, marriages restored, and Jesus is worshipped."
The land was rezoned from 2016-2018 and the church completed the purchase in early 2019, according to the website.
A "deadline" looms.
"Our lease at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre ends in June 2027. We must start construction by mid-2025 to avoid major disruption to our largest community. Waiting is not an option!"
Village Church services are currently held at four locations in B.C. and two elsewhere in Canada, including Surrey's Bell theatre (inside Sullivan Heights Secondary), a "Surrey North" site at 9574 160 St., a "Langley South" location, Vancouver, Calgary and Oakville, Ont.
Church leaders have launched "a bold 3-year generosity initiative" to raise money to build the National Ministry Centre, the cost of which isn't disclosed on the project website.
"This ideal location came together as a miracle meant to fulfill a purpose we now have the chance to steward into reality," the website says. "With the land paid for, the architectural plans complete, and the building permit in process, we are ready to build!
"As our Christian influence and the gospel impact grows across the region and nation, we must secure independence from government and public venues," the website adds. "Social and societal pressures are intensifying, and this may be our only window of opportunity. Now is the time to act boldly."
