Following Chris’s update on Sunday, here’s a quick update on where things are at with the Gateway Moves project:
As Chris pointed out, while things may have felt like a slow shuffle over the past few months, it’s possible we’ll see things pick up speed significantly in the coming weeks. If that happens, we’ll need to move quickly as we gear up to potentially leave 950 Victoria Street and move to a temporary location.
Meanwhile, we’re in a holding pattern, waiting for the proposed buyer of Gateway to obtain council approval to use 950 Victoria Street for their purposes. At the same time, Gateway and our specialists are working with Hamilton City Council to get approval for our fit-out design. We aim to commence the fit-out once the sale of 950 Victoria Street is confirmed.
We have great news on the temporary location front—we’ve confirmed Hamilton Girls’ High School as our temporary home. Right now, we’re sorting out all the logistics for the move and how Sunday gatherings will work. We will share the details as soon as we can. But the good news is there will be lots of parking available!
Financially, we’re in a good position. Once we sell our properties, we’ll have enough to pay off all our current loans. However, we’ll need some extra help to fund the fit-out for 490 Grey Street. Borrowing will cover immediate needs, but our aim is to be debt-free. This way, the money that would go toward interest payments can instead be directed toward growing God’s kingdom.
Many are asking when we might be able to be at our new home, at this stage we are aiming to be there in Jan 2026. I know the construction team will be working hard to bring that date forward, but those who have had experience with building a home will know that delays happen.
Being in the middle of a waiting period can be frustrating, we were reminded recently at our Gathering, that in the waiting, our God continues to do His work.
We are very much hoping and praying that we can share more news in the coming days. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at mike@gatewaychurch.org.nz—I’ll do my best to respond.
