The vision for these new Methodist premises in Vauxhall is to establish a new Christian community that meets Jesus through radical hospitality and the gospel expressed in justice, compassion, and everyday kindness.  

Lambeth Circuit have a unit in a new development behind Vauxhall station, at the base of a block offering social housing through a housing association. This is within a larger development of three blocks that includes shared ownership and private sale apartments, as well as two GP surgeries, offices and food outlets. The space is due to be released, having been fitted out by the developers, in September 2026. 

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Revd Sue Shortman, the Presbyter stationed to pioneer an NPNP in this new development, feels called to provide: 

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Sanctuary:

By creating a safe space for children and young people to do homework or for working with tutors provided by the local authority for those excluded from school.   

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Restoration:

Linking with Lambeth Youth Justice Service to provide reparation activities for young people on referral orders.  

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Solidarity:

Explore opportunities to provide informal support groups e.g. for neurodivergent young people or people with their mental health challenges. The GP practices in the development will be able to identify suitable candidates through social prescribing. 

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Community:

Encourage different sections of the community to get to know each other and explore spiritual practices together, for example the LGBT+ community, existing residents and those moving into the new development. 

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Voice:

Give young people a voice and a creative outlet. We are keen to empower local people to advocate for themselves about issues affecting them, perhaps in collaboration with organisations like South London Citizens UK.  

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These ways in which the vision will be outworked are only possible by building relationships with people in the locality who currently have no connection with the Methodist Church. From these relationships, the good news of Christ will be shared, and a new Christian community will grow where new disciples of Jesus will be nurtured, and new Christian leaders emerge to reimagine what church will be like in The Space. 

To find out more contact Revd Sue Shortman, email sue.shortman@methodist.org.uk.