Ipswich team’s vision to transform nightclub

 

For many years the building was associated with trouble in the town centre, and despite being re-opened many times as different nightclubs, this problem was never solved. Over the last few years some Christians have received visions for the building, with many lead to pray over it.

 

In September 2009, D.M.Y.P (Divine Ministries Young People) formed a project team with a vision for transforming the Zest building into a centre for the youth of Ipswich.

 

D.M.Y.P is an Ipswich based Christian group which aims to bring together young people, to encourage them in their every day lives, and to show how God’s Word is relevant to the realities they face.

 

Project Manager, Claire Marshall, explains “The aim of D.M.Y.P is to show young people how God is very relevant in their lives and circumstances and how, through His Word, strength and goodness they can overcome and live peaceful, abundant lives, which is the desire that the Lord has for them.”

 

“In recent years there has been plenty of bad press surrounding the younger generation. D.M.Y.P works to encourage this generation to know that they can be all that they want to be and that there is nothing they cannot achieve. They do not have to subscribe to society’s expectations to live according to what the world sees.”

The project team has put together a proposal containing their vision for the Zest building. This includes a range of new internal facilities, and plans for activities and services to help young people deal with the issues they face in every day life.

 

The centre would be specifically aimed at youth aged between 16 – 25 and would focus on the following aims;

Under the D.M.Y.P proposal the building would be completely re-designed to offer various new facilities, including a recording/dance studio, an art studio and live music venue. Workshops, seminars and counselling would also be offered. The centre would offer a place for youth to meet and spend time together, with areas for just relaxing and socializing.

 

Claire Marshall again “The project slogan is ‘Don’t Run It for the Youth – Give It to the Youth’. Ultimately the centre would belong to youth, they would have their say. We see the youth being involved in all parts of the process, from restoration and renovation to the running of the centre going forward. The name of the centre would also be chosen by the youth. This is where the project slogan comes from, as this is all about the young people of Ipswich, empowering them in their own lives, personal growth and changing their mind sets to positive outlooks, resulting in positive actions.”

 

“We’ve already started to launch some of the activities and events that would take place in the centre. The first ‘Radical Lounge’ was hosted in March this year at the Goals Soccer Centre and was a great success. The ‘Radical Lounge’ was a live music event, showcasing local artists, promoting positive music and also incorporating open mic. sessions. The event attracted a lot of young people, created a great atmosphere and is the sort of event that will attract youth to the centre.”

 

“The wider community would also benefit from the plans for the building. Through the project, bridges would be built between the youth and the rest of society, encouraging them to work together to better our town. We intend to run volunteering schemes amongst the youth as well as working with surrounding businesses so as not to isolate the centre from the town but rather build it up to be an important part of Ipswich.”

 

“The Zest building is currently on the market for £1,850,000 and so together with the costs of renovation and maintaining, we have a fair way to go. However, we know that ‘with God, all things are possible’. We have viewed the property and are working closely with a firm on design and structure. It is vital to remember that this is a God given vision and ultimately He must get the glory.”

 

“The centre for the youth would be run on Christian principles, and we recognize this as the way forward for God’s will to be done. We believe that God has a great purpose for this building and through this project many young people will be affected in a good way.”

 

The D.M.Y.P project team consists of five young people, who are all members of Ipswich International Church (Elim), and also of the Ipswich Community Gospel Choir (ICGC). They are Claire Marshall 24, Rayon Nelson 20, Gina Watford 21, Ruth Simmonds 20 (not pictured) and Kingsley Mensah 16.

 

Claire says “We have in place our creative project team and also the support of various Christian bodies across Ipswich. However, as we now progress in the vision, we are seeking people with the minds and abilities to put business plans and financial forecasts etc. together, son as to strengthen the foundation of the project and take it forward.”

 

“If you feel you are able and lead to get involved in these areas, or feel that you can support our team and project in any way whether practically, financially or through prayer we would love to hear from you.”