Growing Fun: Lighthouse Community Church Expands Popular Soft Play Area

In an exciting development for families in Sheringham, construction has begun on the extension of the Soft Play zone at Lighthouse Community Church. This beloved community space, the only free soft play facility in Sheringham, has become such a popular destination for local families that it’s often filled to capacity. The church’s decision to expand the facility demonstrates their ongoing commitment to serving the needs of families in the area, particularly those with pre-school children.

The construction work, being carried out by Ovamills contractors, is progressing smoothly with foundations already laid and partial demolition of the frontage completed. Steel girders are expected to be erected in early October, with the building work projected to be completed by the end of the year. The extension will increase the floor space by approximately 50%, creating room for additional play pods and seating. The church also plans to install new sensory lighting when additional funds become available, enhancing the experience for the young visitors who frequent the space.

Through a combination of grants and generous donations from the church community and facility users, over £120,000 has been raised to cover the building costs. The focus now shifts to fundraising for new soft play equipment to fill the expanded space. The church has made it easy for individuals to contribute to this community-focused project, accepting donations via cash, cheque, JustGiving page, or credit/debit card through Sumup. This grassroots funding approach highlights the collaborative spirit between the church and the broader community in supporting local families.

During the construction period, Lighthouse Community Church is working hard to minimize disruption to services. The popular Lighthouse Café will remain open throughout the works, and the existing soft play facility will continue to welcome families whenever possible. The café operates alongside ThreadBear, a shop selling pre-loved children’s clothes and toys, from Tuesday to Friday between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. This continued operation during construction demonstrates the church’s dedication to maintaining these valuable community services even during periods of transition and growth.

The expansion project represents more than just additional square footage—it’s a response to a genuine community need. Currently, the space can accommodate up to 15 parents or carers with their pre-school children, but demand has consistently exceeded capacity, forcing staff to occasionally limit entry. The free nature of this facility makes it especially valuable to families in the area, providing an accessible space for children to play and develop social skills while parents connect with one another. The church’s investment in expanding this service underscores their commitment to practical outreach that meets tangible community needs.

When completed in the new year, the expanded Soft Play zone will stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when faith communities identify and respond to local needs. Lighthouse Community Church has created a space where families of all backgrounds can gather, building connections while their children play in a safe, welcoming environment. Those interested in following the progress of the construction can visit the Lighthouse Facebook page for regular updates. Through this expansion, the church continues its mission of being a beacon of community support and connection in Sheringham, demonstrating that effective outreach often begins with creating spaces where people can simply be together.