New food bank comes to St Albans

The Vineyard Christian Fellowship of St Albans has just had their planning permission approved for a new food bank in St Albans.

Earlier in the year Debenhams Ottaway assisted the Vineyard with the financing of their new property purchase to house its growing food bank operation and to provide additional space for its youth work.

The Vineyard, a charitable company, operates one of Hertfordshire’s largest food banks supporting residents of St Albans as well as operating regular services for its congregation of approximately 1,000. The church decided to buy the new premises on the Ashley Road industrial estate to accommodate the needs of the food bank and youth ministry and raised nearly £1m. The balance was provided by the Allied Irish Bank and Debenhams Ottaway advised the bank on charity law issues.

Commenting on the purchase, Patrick McGrath, partner in the Debenhams Ottaway’s commercial team, said “The Vineyard’s work is of enormous benefit to the community with its food bank and varied ministries. We were pleased to help them grow and achieve this exciting goal which stands to provide substantial benefit to many of the less fortunate St Albans’ residents. It’s great to hear that the planning permission has now been approved”.

Chris Lane, Senior Pastor at the Vineyard also commented “We are delighted that the planning application for Vineyard’s new premises has been approved. This means we can press on with the next phase and start building the hub of our empty warehouse so it can become functional. We look forward to seeing everything we’ve been praying for and working towards become a reality! Vineyard would like to extend huge thanks to all our partners who’ve helped us achieve the vision so far.”