“The Old Chemist”, 16 Manor Farm road, Bitterne Park, So18 1NP

We are a local church based in Bitterne Park. We have been meeting at Bitterne Park Junior School since January 2001 and many of us live in Bitterne Park or close by. As a church, and as individuals, we are committed to, and actively involved in, our local community. We are acutely aware that we are merely one of several expressions of the church in this area and, as such, we are in committed partnership with other churches in Bitterne Park , working together for activities, meetings and projects to do the best we can to serve the area and Southampton.

why are we basing ourselves here in Bitterne triangle?

Because we believe that we have an opportunity to serve this area, we wanted to have a base in the heart – which we see as the triangle – from which to do this.  Many of us have seen the decline here, over the recent years, and we wanted to be able to provide a space that will bring more life.  That is our reason for being in this area.  We want to support the local people and local traders.  We want to do all that we can to have a positive impact here.

what is “the old chemist” for?

We will be using the upstairs for offices for ourselves and some partner charities (CAP, the Gate, Southampton City Mission), and some evenings we will be using the downstairs for our own activities.  We will also have regularly booked times.  Every Wednesday, the building will be used by The Basics Bank, which is part of Southampton City Mission, and provides emergency food to those in need.  We will also run some of our own events from here.

However, we want this space to be a community space, and, for the majority of time, the downstairs area to be available to hire for local people or groups.  People have asked if we are willing for people to display and sell arts and crafts, or for use for children’s parties or for a space to just hang out.  The answer is yes!  This is a space for you to use, so please just ask.  It will be left as an open space with sofas, chairs and tables available for use.  We also have kitchen facilities.  We will charge a nominal fee for the use of the facilities, just to cover our costs.

Here is a recent radio interview about the Old Chemist, if you’re interested

bookings

If you would like to use the premises or find out more, please click here.