Barclays Commercial Bank provides £9m boost for Huddersfield Christian Fellowship

May 22 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A HUGE new church built in Huddersfield has been largely funded by a major bank loan.

The revelation comes as Cathedral House gears up for its official opening this weekend.

Barclays Commercial Bank has provided the £9m loan facility which enabled Huddersfield Christian Fellowship to move into its purpose-built premises, Cathedral House, at St Thomas’ Road, Folly Hall.

The £14m building, reputedly the largest new church to be built in Britain for more than 20 years, includes a 2,100-seater main auditorium, a bookshop, a cafe, indoor and outdoor play gyms, teaching rooms, conference facilities for hire, on-site parking and a state-of-the-art sound system.

It replaces the Fellowship’s previous premises, Harvest House, at St John’s Road which had become too cramped.

Church spokesman Andrew Kisumba said: “The new premises are awesome and we are already seeing an increase in the number of visitors using our facilities and attending services.

“The funding from Barclays has enabled us to complete the second phase of our project – and we really appreciate the support and advice they have provided for our expansion.

“In addition, Barclays have also generously agreed a £2,000 donation towards the children’s play area.”

Nick Russell, relationship manager with Barclays Commercial in West Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to support Huddersfield Christian Fellowship with this transaction – which demonstrates Barclays are open for business and committed to the West Yorkshire market.

“The new premises are extremely impressive and we look forward to continue working with the management team to meet their expansion goals and put the premises to good use for the local community.”