Demolition Officially Begins at Grove Cottage

Demolition Officially Begins at Grove Cottage

We’re thrilled to announce that demolition has officially begun on our building at London Road in Bishop’s Stortford, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Grove Cottage. Today’s ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by esteemed guests and community members, all gathered to celebrate the beginning of our new facility’s journey.

Among those present were Annie Brewster, The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire; Josh Dean MP; and Mayor Richard Townsend, who each shared their support for Grove Cottage’s mission and future. We extend a huge thank you to each of them for joining us, along with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and trustees, whose commitment has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.

Special thanks go to TJ Evers for preparing the site and Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church for hosting our guests, where we shared in the excitement and vision for our future.

Sinead Corr’s Coverage: “Bishop’s Stortford’s Grove Cottage Ready to Rise Like a Phoenix”

In an article for the Bishop’s Stortford Independent, Sinead Corr beautifully captured the spirit of the day’s milestone and what it means for the future of Grove Cottage. She reported on the symbolic significance of this “phoenix rising” as our new building begins to take shape. Mayor Richard Townsend spoke of the transformation from “dust and debris” into a new, purpose-built centre that will double our usable space, ensuring we can expand our services for the community.

The demolition work, led by site manager David Frost, will clear the current building, a well-loved space for over 50 years, within two weeks. Looking ahead, we anticipate completion of the new two-storey building by September next year, ready to welcome our members into a modern, accessible facility designed to meet the diverse needs of children and adults with learning disabilities.

“It’s What’s Inside the Building That’s Most Important”

In Sinead’s article, Steve Ewers of TJ Evers shared how his team had already taken the project to heart, building “with love” for Grove Cottage’s longstanding role in the community. Trustees Duncan Murdoch and Richard Smith both spoke to the history and significance of our location, noting how this site, with its unique memories, represents inclusion, education, friendship, and respite for many families. This space is more than a building; it’s a lifeline for our members and their families, from those just starting in our nursery to those who have been with us for over 80 years.

MP Josh Dean and High Sheriff Annie Brewster echoed the deep appreciation felt by many. MP Dean called Grove Cottage a “gem in our community,” while High Sheriff Brewster expressed admiration for the continuity of support we offer, calling it “priceless.”

Looking Ahead

As construction progresses, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. You can follow along on our social media channels and look out for further coverage in the Bishop’s Stortford Independent.

Read the full article from the Bishop’s Stortford Independent by Sinead Corr here: Bishop’s Stortford’s Grove Cottage Ready to Rise Like a Phoenix.