Bishop of Southampton reopens St Wins Church in Totton after £1m renovation

THE bishop of Southampton led a service of celebration for the reopening of a Totton church after a £1m renovation project.

St Wins in Salisbury Road has been shut for three years to replace its roof and overhaul the crumbling structure.

Now, as well as revamped facilities including a cafe, sound and visual system, and new heating, the Grade II listed church is aiming to offer an expanded community programme of events and activities.

The Rev. Ali Hill, rector at St Wins, said: “We are so excited to be able to welcome people back into this historic building. Our vision for St Wins is that we can proclaim the timeless story of Jesus in a contemporary way.

"By having catered services and meeting groups for people of all ages, we hope to be a church that's known for being family, where everyone is welcomed, whoever they are.”

The church will also serve as a meeting space both for the congregation and residents and local groups.

The reopening follows the parish of St Wins being relaunched in April last year, combining the existing congregation with support from neighbouring church Saint Mary’s Southampton with a mission to grow a new church community.

The Right Rev. Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Southampton, said: “I feel blessed to be able to join the team in celebrating the reopening of such a beautiful church. St Wins can now once again provide the community with a space to grow and explore their faith.

"The team at St Wins have developed new and exciting programmes that serve and support everyone – both young and old – and I am excited to see the church family grow.”

One of the new initiatives includes The Pillar programme, a set of workshops designed to support the mental wellbeing of 16 to 18-year-olds at Totton College, led by student pastor and NHS mental health nurse, Georgia Hart.

Designed by the revolutionary church architect Nugent Francis Cachemaille-Day, St Wins opened in 1937.

Since the building closed in November 2018, the congregation has held services and weekly community events at venues around Totton, including Testwood School and Testwood Stadium, the home of AFC Totton.

The £1m refurbishment was funded by the Church Commissioners, a charity that looks after buildings owned by the Church of England.