Europe's Largest Church to Move to London's Thames Gateway

Europe's largest church, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), based in London, is hoping to relocate its premises to Beam Reach in the Thames Gateway.

A church representative reported that it will this week submit a planning application for a new church and community complex.

The church has decided to make the application following positive feedback for the move from locals and after carrying out a public consultation programme.

The proposed development will see KICC move from its present 4,000-seater auditorium to a new 8,000-seater venue, with multi-use building and an office complex.

KICC suggested the move would offer significant direct and indirect employment and investment in local businesses, as well as the implementation of a community outreach programme, and the establishment of a 'KICC Helping Havering' Community Fund.

To tackle concerns over transport and traffic congestion caused by the move, KICC has been consulting a number of local traffic experts and are looking to produce an effective Green Transport plan.

In total, up to £50,000 is being planned for local community investment by the mega-church, which will be given out in grants to local groups, organisations and other KICC projects.