A NEW Salvation Army church and coffee shop is set to open in Farnworth.

Ian and Christine Kennedy, who are majors at the Salvation Army in Carlton Street, Farnworth, will officially open The Salvation Army Church and Community Centre in nearby Brackley Street on Saturday, January 18.

The two-floor centre will include a community hub and a coffee shop, following three months of refurbishment at the site, which has been empty for a number of years.

Mr and Mrs Kennedy, who have been officers for the Salvation Army for 25 years, moved to Carlton Street from Swinton in July.

The couple say they cannot wait to put their mark on their new community.

Mrs Kennedy, aged 61, said: “We’re really pleased to open the centre — it’s a beautiful building.

“It was in a state of disrepair, but now it looks much better. “The work has been done to a very high standard. It’s really captured our vision and exceeded our expectations.”

Mr Kennedy, aged 64, added: “It’s massively important to us to offer the people of Bolton somewhere like this. Everybody and anybody is welcome at the Salvation Army. If they don’t have anywhere to worship, then they should come to us.” The property was bought a year ago by the Salvation Army. There will be large rooms downstairs and a community room and office upstairs.

Mr and Mrs Kennedy aim to open the coffee shop at the beginning of February.

A parents and tots group already runs on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.30am until 11am and there are plans to set up an over-60s group.

There will also be a worship service every Sunday from 10.30am until 11.45am.

The official opening of the church and community centre is at 11.30am on January 18 and will be attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton.