Local charity needs architectural/engineering design support for a new community hub

What do they need help with?

The Hive Church, established in 2005 in Maldon, has grown into a multi‑activity community‑focused organisation, going beyond Sunday services to provide emotional, material and social support to local families and individuals. Since Easter 2024 they have been using a new chapel, but find that their services are quickly outgrowing their current building.

To meet increasing local needs—heightened by rising doorstep poverty, mental health challenges, and planned new housing nearby (280 new households)—they wish to build The Hive Community Hub, a new two‑storey building on the existing car park. The current main building would be repurposed as parking.

The Hub is intended to serve several functions:

• Family & Children’s Services (parent & toddler groups; after‑school clubs; parenting courses; baby signing classes)
• Wellbeing & Support (mental health, addiction, bereavement support; counselling; wellbeing workshops)
• Education & Skills (adult learning, job clubs, tutoring, craft/skills workshops)
• Community Engagement (drop‑in cafés, coffee mornings; board game nights; neighbourhood forums; groups for elderly, men & women; community garden)

So far, they have held two pre‑planning meetings with Maldon District Council’s planning team who are supportive. They are now seeking pro bono architectural / engineering expertise to produce plans/designs for the Hub. The target date for needing support is 30 November 2025.

In line with LandAid’s mission to end youth homelessness, they clarify that they already engage youth through mentoring, youth groups, wellbeing activities, and provide practical support (essentials, signposting to services, training). The Hub would also help create stability, connection, and pathways for vulnerable young people in their community.

Timeline

November 2025

About the organisation

The Hive Church is a registered Christian charity (Charity No. 1110592), founded in 2005, which operates in Maldon and surrounding areas in Essex. It provides weekly services, and a host of volunteer‑led community activities focused on both spiritual and practical support.

Over time their role has expanded to meet increasing local needs: helping those facing poverty, isolation or mental health challenges, partnering with local agencies, and building trust with residents and the local council. They aspire to be a welcoming, supportive presence within the community, especially in times of increasing social and economic pressure.

http://www.thehivechurch.co.uk