Historic plans to build a Faith and Learning Centre in the UK have been unanimously approved by Chorley Council, marking a major milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ushering in a new era for its youth and young adult programmes.
The new centre, that has been approved subject to planning conditions, will be located on the grounds of the Preston England Temple and will serve as a dedicated space for youth and young adult gatherings and faith-based learning.
For more than 40 years, the Church has developed a youth programme called For the Strength of Youth(FSY). This programme helps young people grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially, while strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ. A highlight of this programme is the annual For the Strength of Youth Conference, a five-day event that include activities, devotionals, and classes designed to help strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and provide opportunities for youth to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually.
In the UK, these conferences have traditionally taken place in hired venues such as universities. The new centre will provide a purpose-built space to host these and other events, offering young people a consistent and inspiring environment to connect, learn and grow.
DOWNLOADA Centre for Faith and Community
The Faith and Learning Centre will include two accommodation buildings, an auditorium with a cafeteria, classrooms, recreational areas, and a reception block. The design integrates seamlessly with the existing site layout, preserving views of the Temple spire and maintaining a landscaped garden setting around the sacred space.
Beyond FSY conferences, the campus will host seminars, faith-based events and community initiatives. The Centre could also be available to non-profit organisations, local charities, and community groups, providing a welcoming space for their activities. For example, the Centre could be used by organisations such as the NHS for blood donation drives, which the Church already hosts in Chorley.
Elder Alan Phillips, Second Counsellor in the Europe North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:
“This is a historic moment for our Church and for the young people we serve. We are deeply grateful to Chorley Council for their support in helping bring this vision to life.
"The Faith and Learning Centre will be a place where young people can strengthen their faith, discover their potential, and build lifelong friendships rooted in shared values and a love for Jesus Christ.
"We also see this as a wonderful resource for the wider community, providing a place where people from all walks of life can come together in uplifting and meaningful ways.
“Most importantly, this centre will bless generations to come, by offering an inspiring place where faith can flourish, and lives can be blessed.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first established in Lancashire in the 1830s and in 1998 the Church opened its second temple in the UK, located in Chorley. Over time, it has become a well-known local landmark. The addition of the Faith and Learning Centre will build on that heritage, creating a space that not only supports the spiritual growth of young people, but also welcomes wider community involvement.
With planning permission now granted, the Church looks forward to beginning construction and working closely with local partners and neighbours.