Additions & Alterations Building Project
By Ps Dev Menon
At the upcoming ACM, members will be voting on whether to approve the finances needed to embark on our long-awaited A&A project: to upgrade our building and to develop the 5th storey.
Why do we need more space?
Firstly to accommodate the growth in our current ministries. As mentioned in some of our meetings over the last three years, our weekend room usage is almost at its maximum. We also need more large-sized rooms to accommodate some of our bigger gatherings.
Secondly, we anticipate more gospel opportunities in our neighbourhood due to our increasing collaboration with St. Luke’s Eldercare and the impending completion of the two new HDB BTO projects by June 2025 and June 2026 respectively, comprising almost 2000 households.
When will this happen?
Though we had initially voted to proceed at the end of 2022, we postponed the project until our land lease was successfully renewed for another 30 years. Now that has been fully settled, at a much-reduced quantum, the Session decided to begin the project by June 2025, should members vote yes.
We estimate the project will take 1.5 years, since we will request the contractors not to work on Sundays, so that our worship services will not be disrupted.
How much will this cost?
Seven contractors are right now preparing their tender submission, and the total cost of the project, including all the consultants fees, duties and government charges is estimated at up to S$7.5M. This will also include costs to repair and repaint our current facilities. The final budget needed for the project will be presented at the ACM, once all the quotes have come in and been evaluated.
How will we pay for all this?
We thank God, that because of the significantly reduced land lease renewal cost, we have a reasonable sum of more than S$5M left in our General Project Fund. We will raise the remainder through giving to the GPF, and if necessary, utilise some funds from our GMF. Ultimately, we believe that our God and Father will provide for all our needs.
What do I have to do?
(1) Pray that this project is in line with God’s will to expand His Kingdom work, through our local church. (2) Come for the ACM, listen to the presentations, ask good questions and vote. (3) Continue to give financially to the work of the gospel here at Zion Bishan.
